Spire Elland becomes more dementia-friendly

As part of Spire Elland's commitment to becoming dementia-friendly, the hospital has recently launched a number of new initiatives.

If a patient has a dementia diagnosis, the hospital will hold a 'Best Interest Meeting' in order to assess the best treatment for the patient and discuss what the best course of action will be.

In order to help dementia patients have the best experience possible, the hospital has created a booklet to inform staff about the patient’s needs. Staff will use the booklets to see what the patient likes, things that may worry them and what they can do to make the patient's stay as easy as possible.

The hospital also has two dementia-friendly patient rooms. In addition to this, the hospital is also engaging with the Calderdale Dementia Friendly Community to ensure the environment is suitable for patients with a dementia diagnosis.

There are two Dementia Champions in the hospital and a number of staff members are Dementia Friends.

In addition to this, the hospital has recently acquired a number of 'Twiddle muffs'. A twiddle muff is a handheld muff which has “bits and bobs” attached to it. It provides a form of stimulation for restless hands, a common symptom of dementia. These are available in the hospital on arrival.

An example of a twiddle muff (https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/news/knitters-needed-twiddlemuffs-appeal-at-dbth/)