IN-DEPTH: DEMENTIA


LIVING WELL WITH DEMENTIA


O


ur perceptions shape the way we behave and the way we care for our patients. That’s why the dementia care team at the Trust is working hard to help us all understand what


dementia really means.


Dianne Campbell is a ‘living well with dementia’ trainer. She was diagnosed with early onset dementia four years ago at the age of 46 and, although she knew little about dementia at the time, Dianne is now using her own experiences to help others.


In her role, funded by Imperial College Healthcare Charity, Dianne provides training to clinical staff across the Trust. She helps them to better understand dementia and how they can offer the right support to patients living with dementia whilst they are in hospital, as well as to their families and carers.


Dianne says: “A lot of people I meet have perceptions of dementia that aren’t necessarily true, especially when their experiences are mainly of people who are in hospital. Often being physically unwell can make the effects of dementia seem much worse or more exaggerated than they normally would be. For example, a person might seem very confused and dependent when usually they are very independent.


“Sometimes I feel like I don’t have dementia and I don’t even think about it, but when I


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IS ME: THIS


What do you think of when you picture someone with dementia? Dianne Campbell is helping Trust staff to understand.


become unwell, as I was recently with severe back problems, I can’t think properly. It’s like my mind is jammed.


“That’s why it is so important for those of us with dementia to stay as healthy as possible. I tell people to look after their mind and body – they’re connected more than you realise. I make sure I get a lot of rest and exercise, and I can tell when I’m getting too tired because that’s when I notice problems with my memory.”


CHANGING PERCEPTIONS


Breaking down the stigma that surrounds dementia is a really important part of Dianne’s work. “I want people to look at the whole person, not just the diagnosis of dementia. Dementia is only a small part of my life. We need to talk about dementia openly and help more people to understand it. I’m not scared to talk about it – I’ve embraced it and I’m using it to help others, and my work has also helped me to keep active and to stay positive.”


Jules Knight, Trust dementia clinical nurse specialist, says: “The fact that our staff have the chance to ask Dianne their questions is really valuable. She also helps us to review and amend patient leaflets and materials to ensure they are dementia-friendly. We want to make sure patients who have dementia get the best care possible when they are in hospital. Her insights are invaluable in helping us deliver that.”


www.imperial.nhs.uk


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