Role of Dementia Champions
Aim: To improve health outcomes and experiences of patients who identify as having dementia who access Blackpool Teaching Hospitals
Training
- Dementia Champions will have completed Tier 2 training, to raise their understanding of the needs of people with a learning disability
- Will attend a minimum of 6 Dementia Champions meetings meeting per year with opportunities to increase understanding of supporting a patient with a learning disability and share experiences/ challenges/ good practice.
- Will receive ongoing support from the Dementia and Learning Disability Lead Nurse and their Line Mangers
- Receive any additional training identified for the role
Responsibilities
- To promote their role of Dementia Champion in their clinical area.
- To raise awareness of needs of patients who have a diagnosis of dementia in their area, specifically promoting individualised care and reasonable adjustments for all patients who have dementia.
- To ensure family member/carers are involved in the care, when appropriate (Johns Campaign)
- Be the first point of contact for colleagues needing support or advice regarding Dementia/Delirium.
- To be prepared to take the lead on dementia issues and identify potential issues in their area.
- To support and signpost people living with Dementia/Family/Carers to local support options if required.
- Ensure that people with the dementia who have an alert symbol on the person’s board behind the bed. (Inpatient staff)
- Promote the use of the ‘This is Me’/ Paint me a picture document and ensure this is provided to patients/families/carers with a confirmed diagnosis of Dementia, to support person centred care.
- Be proactive when considering possible cognitive impairment/delirium when in ward huddles, handover, or caseload allocation.
- Have increased working knowledge of DoLS and Mental Capacity Act (MCA 1 &2).
- Promote Reasonable Adjustments .
