Supporting a person living with dementia and their carer in Outpatient Department
This page gives information for a person living with dementia and their carer about what to expect when visiting an Outpatient Department (OPD) at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This page will also give you information about services within Gloucestershire to support you and the person you care for living with dementia.
Preparing for an Outpatient Department appointment
If you are reading this page in preparation for attending an Outpatient Department appointment, please always read the information and guidance within the clinic letter. For more information, please visit the Carers page on the Gloucestershire NHS Foundation Trust website.
Website: https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/your-visit/patients-visitors-and-carers/information-carers/
If you are a person living with dementia or a carer/relative of a person living with dementia and you/or the person you care for has any needs which may impact on your visit, please contact the Outpatient Department ahead of attending. Use the contact information printed on your clinic letter. On the day of attending please tell the receptionist of these needs.
We always encourage that a relative/carer attends the appointment along with the person living with dementia, as the hospital environment can be disorientating, especially when waiting.
If it is not possible for you/your cared for person to attend the appointment as planned, please telephone the number shown on your clinic letter straight away so that a further appointment can be made. We also advise you to let your GP know.
Please always bring the following to the appointment:
- An up-to-date list of your (or the person you care for) medication
- Your GP details or those of the person you care for • If you have been appointed Lasting Power of Attorney, bring the original documentation and proof of your identity as this is legally necessary
- Any patient held community care records
- A copy of your/your cared for persons completed ‘This is me’ leaflet. This will help the care team to get to know the person living with dementia and to understand more about them as a person. Blank copies are available on the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ‘Information for Carers’ webpage: https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/your-visit/patients-visitors-and-carers/information-carers/
You may also like a copy of the Trust leaflet ‘Information for carers attending Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’ GHPI1044, as it provides important information about support for all carers within our Trust. The leaflet also contains information about the Carer’s Passport and parking. Please ask a member of the clinic staff for a copy of this leaflet.
You are welcome to stay with the person living with dementia during their time in the department. We support ‘John’s campaign’.
We may need to ask you to step outside of the treatment area during some examinations or procedures. As soon as these are completed you will be able to return.
We offer the use of a ‘Twiddle mitt’ to occupy the person living with dementia, if needed. We also use a butterfly symbol to make all members of the team aware that this patient needs extra support. The butterfly symbol may be on the patient’s medical notes. Please let us know if you do not wish this to be used for your cared for person.
On the day of the appointment
On arrival at the department, complete the clinic selfservice check in and tell the receptionist of the needs of you/your cared for person. You should also let the receptionist know that the person is living with dementia. You will be asked to sit within the waiting area until called in for the appointment. We aim to see all patients at or as near as possible to their planned appointment time. If a clinic is running late the clinic team will give you more information.
Please ask a member of the clinic team if you/or your cared for person need any help while waiting.
You should also ask a member of the clinic team, at that time of the appointment, if you would like any more information about the care and treatment plan discussed.
You can also discuss this with your/or your cared for person’s GP.
A summary of the consultation will be sent to you/your cared for person’s GP. This information may take a couple of days to arrive.
If you have any concerns or suggestions during your visit to the department, please let a member of clinic team know. There is always a Senior Nurse in charge of the Outpatient Department.
Further information
More information and useful website links for carers can be found on the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ‘Information for Carers’ webpage.
Website: https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/your-visit/patients-visitors-and-carers/information-carers/
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Information to support Carers, while in hospital, can be accessed from the PALS team. PALS also welcome your feedback on your experience in the hospital.
Freephone: 0800 019 3282
Tel: 0300 422 6831
The role of the GP for the person you care for
The GP leads on the care and treatment plan for you or the person you care for, at home. They can sign-post you to relevant services and care professionals for health care advice and support.
There is a Dementia Community Nurse attached to each GP Practice, please ask the GP for more information.
NHS 111
Tel: 111
Gloucestershire Advice ASAP
Website: www.asapglos.nhs.uk
Adult Social Care Team
Please contact the Adult Social Care helpdesk for further information and guidance
Tel: 01452 426 868
Website: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/socialcarecontacts
Managing Memory Together
Memory assessments and treatment services for people with dementia are available. Gloucestershire Health and Care also provides carer education and advice.
Tel: 0800 694 8800
Website: www.ghc.nhs.uk/our-teams-andservices/managing-memory-together/
Email: managingmemory@ghc.nhs.uk
Alzheimer’s Society Gloucestershire
This society provides information, education, advice, support and guidance for people living with dementia and for their family and carers. They also provide
Gloucestershire’s Dementia Advisor Service, which gives information and advice on how to access services and support for people with a diagnosis of Dementia.
Tel: 01452 525 222
Tel: 0300 222 11 22 (National Helpline)
Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk
Gloucestershire Carers Hub
This service is provided by People Plus to give support, advice and guidance to unpaid carers and offers carers assessments to those who may need one. The Hospital Liaison Officer is available in the hospital and works in partnership with hospital staff to ensure carers are best supported.
Gloucestershire Carers Hub Conway House, 31 Worcester Street, Gloucester, GL1 3AJ
Tel: 0300 111 9000
Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm
Website: https://gloucestershirecarershub.co.uk/
Email: carers@peopleplus.co.uk
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Gloucestershire Young Carers
Tel: 01452 733 060
Email: mail@glosyoungcarers.org.uk
Website: www.glosyoungcarers.org.uk
Dementia UK
Tel: 0800 888 6678
Age UK Gloucestershire
Tel: 01452 422 660
Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/gloucestershire