Research involving over 800 dementia patients across 69 care homes suggests just one hour a week of social interaction can improve the quality of life for dementia patients. The recent study, led by the University of Exeter, King's College London and Oxford Health NHS foundation trust, has revealed that interacting with patients and talking about their interests could improve patients' well being when combined with personalised care.
In addition to improving quality of life, dementia patients showed a reduction in levels of agitation and aggression. The greatest improvements were found amongst those patients who have moderately severe dementia. Professor Clive Ballard of the University of Exeter medical school said ''We have previously found that the average amount of social interaction for people with dementia was just two minutes a day, it's hardly surprising when that has a knock-on effect on quality of life and agitation.''
Dr Jane Fossey of Oxford Health NHS foundation trust said ''Taking a person-centred approach is about getting to know each resident as an individual – their interests and preferences – and reflecting these in all aspects of care.''
The Alzheimer's Society estimate that 850,000 people in the UK have dementia, with the figure predicted to increase to over 1 million by 2025 and reach 2 million by 2051.
With one of the largest private client departments in Norfolk specialising in advising elderly clients, Clapham & Collinge Solicitors continually strive to inform the public on the legal and financial implications of dementia. We are members of the Norwich City Dementia Action Alliance and Sheringham Dementia Friendly Community Group and are proud to be a dementia friendly business.
At Clapham & Collinge, we regularly host dementia training workshops in conjunction with Age UK Norwich to help attendees learn more about dementia, understand the particular difficulties of those living with dementia and to help create a dementia friendly community in Norfolk. Our next dementia training workshop is taking place on Wednesday 25th April at our Norwich office. To book your place or for more information please contact Louis Hilldrup-Boorman by calling 01603 693579 or email lhb@clapham-collinge.co.uk
