Care Opinion

The Singing Dementia Companion

Posted By MaryFitz53

"The Singing Dementia Companion"

About: Western Health & Social Care Trust / Dementia companion service

(as a relative),

As I sat outside the South West Acute in Enniskillen this afternoon. I felt the need for this story to be highlighted.

I was having a coffee and time out for fresh air  as my wee daddy is very unwell at present.

I seen this worker sat with a patient on a bench, the two of them with beaming smiles.  As I approached I heard this young man singing "Danny boy" with the patient while holding their hand. He introduced himself as Brendan the dementia companion.

I asked do you mind if I sit here, to which they both agreed I could. Continuing to finish the song, the tears trickled down my face, it was a special moment for myself, they showed me the light in the world. For what is quite a dark place for myself and my family at present.  

If only when my mother was alive they had dementia companions I believe it could have changed the experience of hospital in her daily battles with alzheimers.

Brendan says he is only doing his job, but to me he's changing many lives for the better. You can see that Brendan just loves his job by his attitude. It is a vital service, in my personal opinion. 

May I add that, I met Brendan four times this day. Pushing a different patient each time in their wheelchairs. Your family and colleagues should be so proud of you, young man. 

I returned to my dad's bedside with a new found strength and hope for the future of our acute hospital services. Unsure of this young lad's exact ward, but I hope this finds you as you deserve recognition.

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Responses

Response from Nicola Hayes, Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP, WHSCT 14 months ago
Nicola Hayes
Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP,
WHSCT

Submitted on 18/10/2023 at 10:23
Published on Care Opinion at 10:23

picture of Nicola Hayes

Dear MaryFitz53

My name is Nicola Hayes and my substantive post is Dementia Service Improvement Lead for Acute Hospitals and I manage the Dementia Companion Service.

Thank you for your feedback story with regards to the 'Singing Dementia Companion' and thank you for taking the time to post this story, at a time when you are with your father who is unwell. May I wish him a speedy recovery and you strength to support him at this time.

Person centred care is paramount within dementia care and this has been evidenced throughout your experience of Brendan singing along with a patient to a song that has meaning for this particular patient. I am glad that what you observed supported you also at this difficult time. Something as simple as singing can have such a meaningful impact on people living with dementia and the public's perception of care that can be provided.

The Dementia Companion Service is a relatively new service within the WHSCT, but it is one that is striving to provide individualised care to people living with dementia while in our acute hospital care settings. Although the service may not have been available when your mother needed it, I hope it will grow in excellence for the future.

Brendan reporting that he is only doing his job is great to hear as these small moments of excellence are making such a huge difference for our patients. Singing is only one of the talents that Brendan possess and one that we will be promoting from now on.

May I thank you again for taking the time to share your experiences with us on care opinion.

Your feedback is very welcome to ensure safe, effective, compassionate and well led care is delivered and I will share this story with Brendan and feedback to you his response to your story.

Best Wishes

Nicola

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Update posted by MaryFitz53 (a relative)

Thank you so much for this reply, I am delighted to hear from your team and that Brendans contributions have been recognised and highlighted.

Dad is doing a lot better and hopefully makes a full recovery soon. I can't emphasise enough the impact that this interaction has had on me.

I look forward to Brendans response and you can be proud of yourself also, that your service of dementia companions has the highest of standards.

Stand tall and be proud of all you are achieving together. As you said above we worry top much about the big things, the small things get forgotten about, well this time it's a small thing that has impacted a life.

All the best

Response from Nicola Hayes, Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP, WHSCT 14 months ago
Nicola Hayes
Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP,
WHSCT

Submitted on 26/10/2023 at 16:55
Published on Care Opinion at 16:55

picture of Nicola Hayes

Dear MaryFitz53

I have shared your feedback with Brendan and the rest of the Dementia Companion Service and Brendan has requested me to share his response with you:

"Thank you so much for your touching story. We strive to represent our service to the highest standards. I hope your dad is keeping well and back on track, it was lovely sharing that special moment with yourself.

It’s the small things in this job that make all the difference. You are right I love my job and look forward to what the future in this dementia companion role can offer.

It is also such a privilege to look after patients, in what can be some of their most vulnerable moments.

Myself and the other Dementia Companion's goal is that anybody in our care, should not face a hospital journey alone".

MaryFitz53, may I thank you again for taking the time to share your experiences with us on care opinion.

Kind regards

Nicola

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