A new film, released today, by Health Education England highlights the importance of person-centred care in enabling people in care homes to live well with dementia.
The film, Finding Patience " The Later Years, continues to follow Patience and her family, who we were introduced to in the film Finding Patience, as she moves into a care home. Exploring the challenges faced by staff and demonstrating what good quality person-centred care looks like.
Professor Dawn Brooker, from the University of Worcester's Association for Dementia Studies, was part of the expert group who oversaw the development of both films.
By 2051 over 2 million people in the UK will have dementia and almost a third will live in care homes. Person-centred care allows people to live well with dementia and is made possible by the health and care professionals who support them.
The Prime Ministers Challenge on Dementia 2020 states that "while many hospitals and care homes offer excellent support, some are not doing enough to provide high quality, personalised care that helps individuals to live as fulfilling a life as possible.
Professor Lisa Bayliss-Pratt, Director of Nursing and Deputy Director of Education and Quality at Health Education England said:""As the number of people in care homes with dementia increases, it's important that health and care staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge to support individuals to live well with dementia.
"Dementia affects people in different ways and it's only by taking the time to understand a person's background " their preferences, needs and values " that health and care staff will be able to provide person-centred care. Finding Patience " The Later Years promotes and supports this approach.""
Professor Alistair Burns, National Clinical Director of Dementia at NHS England and Old Age Psychiatrist at University of Manchester said:""The majority of people in care homes have dementia or a significant degree of cognitive impairment. Understanding the way that dementia can affect an individual and their families is really important.
"This film raises awareness of dementia and emphasises the importance of person-centred care, treating residents as individuals and putting the person first, rather than the disease first. Highlighting that with an individual approach you can really transform the care of a person in a care home. Whilst aimed at health care professionals, the strength of the film is such that it could be used by anybody who works, owns or visits a care home. I would recommend everyone involved in the care home sector watch this film"
To view the film visit and for more info visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgVKw-Wfxy4&feature=youtu.be
or
https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/dementia