Smooth transition for person with dementia to long-term care hugely dependent on carer input
Smooth transition for person with dementia from hospital or home to long-term care hugely dependent on carer input. New report identifies ways to actively support carers who wish to remain involved in the long term care of their relative
Findings of new research launched today (Tuesday 27 April 2010) has identified primary carers as key to ensuring a smooth transition for a loved one living with dementia from home or hospital into long term care. Minister for Older People and Health Promotion Áine Brady T.D. was in attendance at the launch to endorse its findings. The research entitled “Continuing to care for people with dementia: Irish family carers’ experience of their relative’s transition to a nursing home” is the first of its kind in Ireland. Led by Professor Murna Downs, Chair of Dementia Studies at the University of Bradford and pioneered by service providers St. Luke’s Home in Cork and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, the new study has identified ways to support carers during this life changing time.
Speaking at the launch at St. Luke’s Home (Cork), Professor Murna Downs, Chair in Dementia studies, University of Bradford said of the research: “Older peoples’ relatives are, in general, patient advocates and rightly seek appropriate facilities for those whom they represent. By supporting a smooth transition from home to long-term residential care setting for the person with dementia (and supporting the carer through access to information and support services) it would not only help the families concerned, but also help to reduce the number of cases where an older person with dementia ends up becoming a delayed discharge in an inappropriate hospital setting at a time of crisis for them and/ or their primary carer.” A separate Irish Study at Cork University Hospital published by the Irish Medical Journal in 2008 reported that 50 out for 90 cases of older people who were delayed discharges were kept in hospital by relatives who are having difficulties accessing appropriate long term care for their loved ones.
Endorsing the findings Minister for Older People and Health Promotion Áine Brady T.D. said: “I welcome and applaud the partners and all of the carers who have contributed to this fascinating insight into Irish carers’ experiences and the value their contribution can make in the care of a person living in long term care. Primary carers know their loved one living with dementia, better than anyone else. By taking on board the findings in this research we can hope to improve the experience of transition for the patient and the carer, while also positively impacting on the numbers of patients waiting for long term care.”
Bishop Paul Colton, President of St Luke’s Home chaired the event and welcomed the Minister to the nursing home in Cork. “St Luke’s are proud Minister Áine Brady could visit our Care Home today and we are delighted to present these findings to the Minister and the care sector as a model of best practice in the care for people living with dementia.” Professor Murna Downs continued: “What is particularly striking in this research is the clear commitment carers have to continuing to care for the relative following admission to long-term care, as well as a desire for their relative to experience the same standards of care they received from their family in the home setting. Another striking point that arose is the huge sense of loss and betrayal carers face in admitting their relative to care. It makes sense that should carers determine the quality of attention given to their relative in a new care environment and feel respected by care homes for their continued role in their relatives lives, that the transition for a person with dementia to a care home would be facilitated.”
There are currently 44,000 people with dementia in Ireland and 50,000 carers. As Ireland has an ageing population it is predicted that the number of people living with dementia will substantially increase.
Speaking at the launch Maurice O’Connell, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Ireland said: “This is an issue that will affect every family in every street in Ireland at some point. By 2036 it is predicted that 104,000 people will be living with dementia. Official statistics show that dementia is the main reason 26% of residents (or over 5,000 people) are living in nursing homes in Ireland though international experience says this rate could be closer to 40%. These statistics show there is a compelling need to address the practical and emotional demands placed on people caring for a relative with dementia in the community.”
The report identified these actions as being vital to facilitate carer involvement, forge community links and help counter the stigma attached to long-term care settings:
· Greater access to information, education and emotional support for carers at post transition stage;
· The facilitation of networking or support groups for carers;
· Opportunities for care monitoring, advocacy and decision making for carers on behalf of their loved one;
· Greater clarity in the roles and responsibilities of staff and carers.
Julia Horgan, Director of Care, St. Luke’s Home, welcomed the recommendations of the report and held up the proposed model as being an example of best practice:“ HIQA National Quality Standards requires that each resident maintains regular contact and influence with his/her family and local community. Based on our model of care at St. Luke’s Home we have found that when care home staff actively facilitate the carers’ role in long stay settings it has huge benefits for both the resident and those caring for them.”
For further information:
Mary Hopkins, Hopkins Communications, on behalf of St Luke’s Home (Cork)
E: Mary@hopkinscommunications.ie
Mob: 087 2540 804
Helena O’Donnell, Communications Officer (Public Affairs), Alzheimer Society of Ireland
E: Hodonnell@alzheimer.ie
Tel: 01 2073801
Mob: 086 7744 883