Scheme launches today aimed at improving dementia care

Paul Jeeves

THE first scheme of its kind in the region is being launched today to improve the care of dementia sufferers across the Harrogate district as demand for services soars.

Staff at Harrogate District Hospital have worked alongside the Alzheimer’s Society to develop the project, dubbed the Butterfly scheme, which is aimed at tailoring care to specific patient needs.

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Carers will be asked to complete a fact sheet about the person they looking after, giving information about the patient including their favourite foods and what can help them to sleep.

The patient is identified with a butterfly symbol by their bed during their stay in the hospital.

The Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s older people’s champion, Janet Farnhill, said: “One concern for people with dementia is the effect that a hospital stay can have.

“Staff at Harrogate District Hospital are conscious that going into hospital can be a very difficult and distressing time for a person with dementia.

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“The unfamiliar surroundings and routines can make their condition worse in the short term, and this may continue once they have left hospital.

“The effects of their illness and any interventions they may have can also add to their problems.

“A great deal of work is taking place at the hospital to ensure that staff have the knowledge and skills to care for patients with dementia on the wards.

“The Butterfly scheme will help us to identify patients with dementia to ensure that they get the best care possible.”

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More than 600,000 people in England have dementia and the figure is set to double in the next 30 years as the population ages, with predictions there will be over a million sufferers by 2025.

The problem is acute in North Yorkshire, a popular destination for people who retire.

It has been estimated that the demands for care services from the elderly in York alone will cost an extra 7m annually by 2020 – 43 per cent up on current costs.

The Yorkshire Post revealed last year that the biggest review of community and mental health services had been launched across North Yorkshire to ensure that there are adequate resources to treat patients from the county’s 791,000-strong population.

The Butterfly scheme is being launched at Harrogate District Hospital today.