Supporting patients with dementia at The Prince of Wales Hospice

Dementia is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Over one million people are expected to be living with dementia in the UK by 2030. Dementia impacts not only those with the condition but also their families and caregivers.

At The Prince of Wales Hospice, our commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate care extends to those living with dementia. We understand the challenges faced by patients and families dealing with this condition.

To best support them, we provide a nurturing environment where patients feel safe, valued, and understood. Our care plans focus on enhancing quality of life, managing symptoms, and promoting independence while also ensuring a comfortable and dignified experience.


Understanding dementia
Dementia is not just memory loss. It has a range of symptoms that affect cognitive abilities, behaviour and emotions.

At The Prince of Wales Hospice, we have equipped our care team with the knowledge and expertise to address the needs of those living with dementia. We provide support plans that accommodate the challenges and preferences of each person affected by the condition.


Holistic care approach: nurturing well-being
Our approach to supporting patients with dementia is holistic. Our work includes not only medical care but also emotional, psychological, spiritual and social support.

Our Wellbeing Team offers a range of services to support patients’ mental health. We help patients continue their hobbies and interests and find ways to help them leave lasting memories, such as with cards and memory boxes. For those who would like it, the Hospice has a Spiritual Care Lead, Rod Walker, who provides spiritual support to people of all faiths or none.

We also support patients and their families with financial planning for the future with our “Ducks in a Row” sessions. Our social worker presents these sessions and offers advice on how to plan for the future and information about writing a will.

Finally, we can help maintain mobility and reduce fall risks for our patients with dementia. Our Chair Exercises sessions are a fun way to improve physical strength, allowing patients to gain more independence and maximise their quality of life. We also have a weekly Walking for Wellbeing session, which is accessible to everyone (including wheelchair users).


Specialised services: customised support strategies
We recognise that each person's experience with dementia is unique. Therefore, our hospice offers specialised services catering to various needs. This includes adapted equipment like dementia clocks, which have a bigger clock face and tell you the date and whether it’s day or night. We also use the "This is me" tool—a document for patients to complete to tell staff about their needs, interests, preferences, likes, and dislikes just once, which causes less confusion and distress.


Support for families and carers: empowering with resources
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be overwhelming. At The Prince of Wales Hospice, we extend our support to families and caregivers. Our aim is to empower families with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the best possible care and support.

We have a Family and Friends Support Group where we offer practical advice and support. We also have many other sessions open to carers and family, including our Complementary Therapy Group and Craft Group.


Creating comfortable environments: adaptive and safe spaces
Our hospice spaces are designed to accommodate the unique needs of individuals with dementia. We create adaptive and safe environments that promote familiarity, reduce anxiety, and encourage engagement.

For those staying in our fourteen-bedroom Incare ward, we have a high staff-to-patient ratio, meaning staff can spend much more time with patients and their families. Our fourteen Incare rooms are all single, ensuite rooms with many dementia-friendly features, such as good natural light, easy access to the gardens, and facilities for loved ones to stay overnight if required.


Collaborative care: partnering for enhanced support
Collaboration is at the core of our approach. We work with healthcare professionals, dementia specialists, and community organisations to ensure a high level of care. By partnering with external resources, we improve our ability to address the needs of individuals with dementia.

We are proud to host the Dementia Carers Voice Group and work with others in the community to explore ways of making real changes.

We will have a stall at the Dementia Roadshow and are often invited into Carer Support groups to discuss the Hospice and Future Planning.

We are always looking for opportunities to engage with people in the community.


Continual adaptation: evolving with changing needs
Understanding that dementia is a progressive condition, our care plans evolve as needs change. We assess and adapt our support strategies to meet the evolving requirements of individuals with dementia. We are constantly working to ensure that they receive the most relevant and beneficial care throughout their journey.

At The Prince of Wales Hospice, our dedication to supporting individuals with dementia is unwavering. We strive to create an environment that fosters dignity, comfort, and understanding for those affected by this condition. We stand committed to providing compassionate care that respects their unique journey.

You can find further information about how The Prince of Wales is dementia-friendly here

You can read about our Wellbeing services here

You can find out more about our Incare here