Dementia therapy tool launched for people in early stages of dementia

A ‘dementia discussion map’ has been launched by Bupa, to help its specialist dementia nurses, structure conversations with people in the early stage of dementia.

The map which was launched at the UK Dementia Congress will be used by Bupa Admiral Nurses in communities and care homes across the country.

It will also be used to help families of people who have recently been diagnosed better understand life with the condition.

Professor Graham Stokes, global director for dementia care, said: “A diagnosis of dementia can be a traumatic experience for both the person and their family and often leaves people feeling scared and overwhelmed.

“We noticed that there is a real gap when it comes to guiding people through the first months after diagnosis. This map is meant to help them to make sense of their life after it has been turned upside-down and to provide reassurance and answers to some of the questions and worries they might have.”

The tool which has been developed by Bupa in partnership with Dementia UK depicts a seascape complete with a marina, boats, beaches and rocky waters in order to articulate some of the moments, emotions, and experiences that someone living with dementia might encounter.

It covers areas such as the diagnosis itself, working through feelings, dealing with relationships, finding advice and support, planning for the future, acknowledging that there will be good and bad days as well as considering how to keep healthy and enjoy life.

The ‘dementia discussion map’ was conceived and created through in-depth working sessions with Bupa’s dementia ambassadors – a group of expert practitioners across the organisation – and Bupa Admiral Nurses led by Professor Graham Stokes, who has specialised in this area for over 25 years and pioneered the ‘person first’ approach to care.

An activity log has been created to accompany the discussion map to encourage conversation within the group sessions and share tips and experiences.

Professor Stokes added: “The discussion map is not a stand-alone tool – it requires training and expertise to use and we envisage Bupa Admiral Nurses will support people across the community who are going through the experience of coming to terms with their diagnosis of dementia.

“Ultimately, some of our dementia ambassadors and Bupa’s dementia champions known as Person First Coaches will be trained to use the discussion map but for the time being it, will be a specialist therapy tool for our Bupa Admiral Nurses to use.”

Bupa is now working on a second map, which addresses the more advanced stages of dementia and is tailored towards the family and carers of the person with dementia. This is due to be ready by the end of 2015.

click here for more details or to contact Bupa Care Homes