Families and friends trying to provide support and care for a person with dementia can find it devastating. That person may be a parent, spouse or friend who has been known and respected and it is difficult to watch the deterioration of someone who has been the mainstay of a family.
The Aberdeen Link Practitioner Service managed by SAMH has been involved in the partnership’s multi-disciplinary approach in delivering support to people and families who have been given a dementia diagnosis.
Link Practitioners deliver the service working closely with colleagues in Care Management, Primary Care services and the Third sector.
The most important tool the Linked Practitioners have is the ability to have meaningful conversations with an individual, their families and /or legal proxy using sensitive and effective communication within a robust framework.
Link Practitioners are able to provide information and support to people to deal with any issues they are experiencing, to identify and manage issues and barriers that affect their ability to live well and help them talk about what really matters to them. Their non-clinical support enables individuals to set their own personal goals and improve their health, wellbeing and personal resilience supporting them and their families to link more closely with support opportunities within their local community.
Good outcomes for the people and families the Link’s Service supports through their PDS journey are driven by the person’s aspirations – they are unique to the person and their life, addressing the person’s real concerns and dilemmas accepting nothing stays the same.
Since September 2021 until April 2022 the Link’s Service has received 184 referrals, that is 184 people plus families who have benefitted from receiving information and support and most importantly a meaningful conversation which has ensured that the person concerned is receiving the most relevant services to be able to live the life they choose.
A daughter of 83-year-old-lady said: “The occupational therapist came and assessed mum and mum has had her chair now for a few weeks and says what a difference from balancing on all her different foam pads and cushions she used trying to get comfy.
“Mum is a trouper and just soldiers on, I may have said before that my aim is to make sure I cover all bases to make mum feel independent and to keep mum safe and comfortable in her own home for as long as possible. I thank you once again for your support in helping me achieve this.”
A husband of a 78-year-old-lady said: “Yes, it was good to speak to you today, thanks for calling. The information you have provided is very helpful and I will go through it all very carefully and will certainly follow your advice regarding Power of Attorney etc. I will get in touch if I have any queries. Thanks again for the call.”
