The following are useful communication tools that can assist in providing person centred care for people with dementia.
The Focus on the person form is designed to help family carers inform hospital staff about a person living with dementia. It was developed by Toye et al from Curtin University and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, with funding from the Dementia Collaborative Research Centre: Carers and Consumers.
The Sunflower tool is another example that has been used in Confused Hospitalised Older Person’s (CHOPS) Program. See this clinician experience video.
Alzheimer’s Society (UK)– This is me tool, provides a simple and practical tool that people with dementia can use to tell staff about their needs, preferences, likes, dislikes and interests.
The Agency for Clinical Innovation has created Say Less, Show More, a series of photo stories (visuals) to support children, young people and adults, including those with a disability, during routine medical procedures.
There is an E-learning package to help health professionals learn about using visuals, and other support materials, promotional tips, posters and postcards.
You can also read how this initiative is based on collaborative partnerships between health and disability sectors.
West Moreton Hospital and Health Service has developed Julian’s Key, which is being trialled in Logan and Ipswich Hospitals for 12 months from August 2019.
This tool is primarily for people with intellectual or cognitive disability but could benefit anyone who might have difficulty communicating in a health and hospital setting. The tool is available as a mobile application, an editable PDF and a paper-based form.
More information on the tool and eligibility to participate in the evaluation is available here.