Qualitative
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Repeat observational audit & satisfaction surveys:
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The approach to patients by staff has improved with a better understanding of communication needs and role modelling of the Dementia Buddies
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The eating and drinking needs of the patients have improved with the Dementia Buddies providing assistance at lunchtime and encouraging the patients to drink throughout the morning

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Maintenance of cognitive ability and reducing agitation and behavioural challenges, and freeing up the time of the ward staff, are helped by the activities provided by the buddies such as:
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Reading
Discussing picture books
Dancing
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Singing
Board games
Simply conversing and companionship
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More effective signposting of patients and carers to support both outside of the hospital environment once the person with dementia is discharged is taking place

What the Buddies did during their visit
Activity Number
Reminiscence
Talking/chatting
Walking
Reading
Eat/Drink
Music
Encouraged Nutrition
Other
12
120
1
13
10
6
24
8

Daily Records Evaluation
Alert
Happy
Sad
Calm
Content
Lively
Chatty
Quiet
Hungry
Thirsty
Neat & Tidy
Untidy
Agitated Confused
Withdrawn Frustrated Depressed
Bored Angry Tired

Daily Records- between Oct.2012 and
March 2013. (N=155)
On Arrival
Words circled
Total score
Average score
Total
374
+ 36
+0.1
On Leaving Difference in Totals
Total
348
+197
+0.6
(26)
+161
+0.5
What Patients have said:
“patient said kind of me to visit and hopes to see me again”
“Patient thanked me for my help”
“Pleased to see me and responded well, talked well, liked her hand held.”

Patient responses recorded by Buddies
 Patient pleased to remember us. Enjoyed chatting. Is a quiet lady but enjoys a laugh. Was thirsty and enjoyed 2 cups of squash.
 Patient enjoys holding hands and listening to stories.
She likes hugs and cuddles and kisses and often asks for company. She won't chat back but she will tell you not to go away in the end.
 Patient was tired eyes closed but happy for me to sit with her holding her hands. Happy someone there for her.

How was your relative/friend today?
10
9
6
5
4
3
8
7
2
1
0
10
As well as expected
5
0
Better than expected
Worse than expected

Quotes from Carers/Relatives
“When I am not here my mother gets quite tearful and lonely so I think the scheme is a good idea.”
“Somebody came a few days ago and talked to mum about
Gravesend of many years ago (not today). She really enjoyed this.”
“No matter how little, having company can be sensed and will be a comfort.”
“Excellent service and much needed”

Staff Evaluation N=9
Question
Ward atmosphere enhanced
6
Yes No
0
7 0 Improved
Understanding
Difference made to your role
5
Difference made to patients
5
1
“ my job is administrative...”
1
“ my job is administrative...”

Quotes from Ward Staff
“ Patients get more settled, less agitated and more lively and are more alert and can follow through the routines affectively.” Staff
Nurse
“ They all help us as a health care assistant may help us. They keep them orientated.” HCA
“ They settle down when they are agitated. Eat/drink well because of dementia buddy ” Staff Nurse
“ The ward has a very good understanding of dementia but the buddies have enhanced this.” Senior staff Nurse

Quantitative evaluation
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Too early to see impact as buddies not fully established
However:
Overall LOS on Ebony reduced by 2 days
Average LOS for patients with a diagnosis of dementia reduced from 30.0 to 20.8 days (30% reduction)
Complaints baseline was minimal so not meaningful to measure
Dementia Buddy specific readmissions hard to audit
Falls

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Final Pilot evaluation in June and share results and experience with other Trusts
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Business Case for Trust to continue role:
53 hours (1.42 WTE band 5 co-ordinator posts)
0.5 WTE Admin support Band 2
£10,000 for training
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Expand service hours to 6 hours per day, 7 days per week
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Continue to roll scheme out to other wards/Depts within the hospital
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Emergency Dept
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Provide an ‘on request’ service for individual cases
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Continue with partnership working between the hospital and ADSS
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Integration Awards
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Nursing Standard
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Jeremy Hunt

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Education
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Evergreen/Geriatrician of the
Week
CQUIN trigger part of EDN
Dementia & MCA pathways developed and agreed
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Elderly Care Specialist Nurse
(Feb-12)
Dignity Champions
Cognitive impairment Care plan implemented
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Nursing Care complaints reduced
Reduction in LOS
Care Homes Project
Productive Older Peoples
Project/Patient Experience
Programmes
MSS & Dr Yu
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Extended Therapy Service to cover weekends
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National Dementia Audit 2 nd
Round
Acute physician
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Observational Audit
Programme
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PAT Dog

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Dementia Challenge funding:
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Dementia Specialist
Practitioner
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Environmental changes:
Signage
Pilot Colour Scheme in bays
(Ebony)
Pictures relating to colours
Bed spreads
Curtains
Toilet Seats
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Charitable Funds:
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Picture books/memory boxes
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Reminiscence corridor
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MP3
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Sensory Garden
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Laundry
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Expansion of Dementia
Buddy Scheme