Discovering ways to meaningfully occupy people with dementia and valuing the

expertise of friends and family

5.1

© Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

“Getting to Know Me”Enhancing Skills in the Care of People with Dementia in General Hospitals

5.2

To explore why getting to know the person is essential to the provision of care

To introduce the “Getting to Know Me” or “This is me” method of capturing information of importance to the person

To consider creative responses to meaningfully occupying the person

To explore how to involve and support families and friends

© Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Mrs Atherton created problems for ward staff by continually needing to be on the move. Nurses would regularly escort her back to her bedside, much to her annoyance and frustration...

5.3

© Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Mabel Elizabeth Atherton

Beth

5.4

© Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

I grew up in Bradford & moved to Bolton in my 20s when my husband, Joe, got a job working for an engineering firm. I worked for Wilsons - a large bakery for many years...

My daughters Alison and Frances and my grandchildren. I sometimes call for Joe when I’m feeling upset but he has sadly passed away.

I like to walk (I used to be in a walking group) and listen to music – songs from the musicals or any Frank Sinatra. I enjoy art but haven’t painted (water-colours) for a couple of years

I start the day with a cup of tea and a banana. I like to keep busy and don’t like sitting around

My daughters

I am very scared of needles and hospitals! I enjoy being busy and useful

I get lost easily and need help finding my way around, but find it difficult asking for help.

5.5

© Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

The process is more important than the outcome Activities should be failure free Be flexible and prepared to “go with the flow”

Be aware that some people will struggle in group sessions

Activities should tap into a person’s skills, interests, culture, beliefs

Think about engaging the different senses Activities should not be over-long for the person. Activities should be undertaken voluntarily whilst

acknowledging that some people may need a little help to “get going”

5.6

© Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust