Support for carers of people with dementia during hospital admission

The aim of this study was to help develop support services for carers of people with dementia on admission to a district general hospital. Qualitative methodology was used in the form of individual semi-structured interviews. These interviews suggest that service developments need to take into account the individual need of each carer. Identified themes included communication, vulnerability of the carers and the need to develop a therapeutic relationship with the carer as well as the person with dementia. Recommendations for change include a letter introducing the dementia specialist nurse to be given to carers, a poster in wards across the trust to support the letter; and workshops on dementia care for staff with emphasis on the need to work in partnership with informal carers.