Patients with dementia

Dear Sir or Madam, dear Family and Friends, dear Colleagues,

A period in hospital means an unusual situation. Almost everything is different, compared with being at home. Where dementia is an additional factor, the stress, strain and concerns tend to be greater – for patients, as well as for family and friends. Day-to-day routines in modern hospitals are not designed primarily around the needs of dementia patients and instead are structured for cooperative and communicative patients. They are aware and accept that the procedures – from being woken in the morning, to bodily hygiene and the set times for rounds and meals – differ from their everyday routines. Persons with cognitive restrictions find this substantially more difficult and even impossible in places. This is compounded by unusual behaviour: the tendency to run away, refuse food or scream uncontrollably. Patients with dementia need special care – this relates to every aspect of their management, from washing and feeding to the manner in which they are addressed (formally or informally?).

Städtisches Klinikum Görlitz is specialised in the medical and nursing treatment of patients with dementia as a secondary diagnosis. Using specially trained staff and a broad additional support programme, we seek to ensure that patients with dementia find it easier to stay in our hospital.

• Trained staff in all departments (dementia officers)
• Special food for dementia patients
• Special occupation material
• Orientation assistance
• Rooming-in (coordinated with case management)

To guarantee that the patients entrusted to us receive the best possible care, we require some information on their habits, primary contacts, restrictions and peculiarities. It helps us and the patient if family members and friends fill out the Information Form for Patients with Dementia, [PDF], 554 KB and submit it as an additional document for inpatient treatment. Completing the form in advance is particularly helpful for acute admissions.

A guide – what to pack for a stay in hospital:

• Shoes in which the patient can walk and stand securely and that are easy to put on (add a shoe horn if necessary)
• Walking aids (stick, rollator) – if necessary
• Vision aids (spectacles, magnifying glass) – if necessary
• Hearing aid with spare batteries – if necessary
• Any special cutlery or drinking aids
• Photos, e.g. of familiar persons
• Watch/alarm clock
• Personal hygiene items
• Shaver
• Dental prosthetics/cup with colour coding, e.g. red or green, and cleaning agents
• Hand-held mirror
• Clothing that the patient likes wearing at home (also an apron or work tunic, hat, favourite handkerchiefs) as dementia patients frequently refuse to put on unfamiliar clothes
• Handbag, wallet with a modest amount of money
• A favourite cushion/cuddly toy to help calm the patient
• Material for usual hobbies help the patients pass the time and contribute to a sense of calm

Please bring the following (medical) records:

• Previous diagnoses/laboratory findings
• List of medication
• IDs stating all known allergies, diabetes, pacemakers, prostheses/implants, anticoagulants
• Care Transfer Form from Social Services if the patient is receiving care in a home setting
• Blood group ID
• Please bring a copy of any power of attorney and/or living will