We're taking a step forward to improve dementia care across Rotherham
The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust (TRFT) has launched the ‘This is me’ booklet to support our work in person-centred care.
Inspired by the work of the Alzheimer’s Society, the new booklet captures essential details of a patient, including preferences, routines, and life history, enabling healthcare professionals to always look after the person and not their illness or disease.
“‘This is me’ helps us build on various initiatives to provide person centred care to people living with dementia or experiencing delirium,” said Helen Dobson, Chief Nurse at the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust. “This person centred approach not only improves the quality of care but also ensures that our patients feel understood and valued.”
The development of the booklet involved a collaboration between TRFT, local community members, dementia patients, and their carers. Utilising this inclusive approach ensured that the booklet effectively addresses the real needs of those it serves, making it a practical and valuable resource for improving care for people living with dementia or experiencing delirium across Rotherham.
Cindy Storer, Deputy Chief Nurse at the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust said: “Carers, or those important to patients, can compete a 'This is me' document to bring along to every stage of a healthcare journey. This helps to tell us what a person likes, dislikes and helps us to provide care that is truly person centred. This may be as simple preferred meals and drinks, how you wish to be addressed, music, films, or hobbies you enjoy. Understanding more about the person we are looking after, when they can’t tell us about it themselves, helps to reduce the anxiety and confusion often experienced by people living with dementia or experiencing delirium at all stages of their healthcare journey.
The introduction of the new booklet marks a significant advancement in person centred care for the Rotherham community. By utilising a more personalised and compassionate approach to care, this initiative aims to improve the quality of life and provide much-needed support to families and carers.