Case Study #1

I first contacted Bob and Brenda by telephone. I introduced myself and asked how things were going. Bob was very angry and expressed his distrust in our services and social services. The phone call was not successful with Bob telling me to “clear off” and hanging up. The following week I contacted Bob again and suggested I come out to visit him and Brenda at their home.

My first meeting was a little frosty, with Bob reluctant to accept my support. However, after a few visits Bob became more relaxed around me and opened-up about his distrust in social services and how he feels let down by them. Bob was also surprised and relieved to discover that they were able to apply for certain financial support.

Bob showed signs that he was becoming very stressed in his caring role and was verbally aggressive and struggled with his wife’s dementia. After a few more visits and difficult conversations, Bob agreed to give social services another chance and I arranged a joint visit at their home with a social worker. In this meeting we were able to address Bob’s complaints and plan a package of care to suit Bob and Brenda’s needs.

Unfortunately Brenda became ill and was admitted to hospital. After regular contact with the hospital social worker and Bob, Brenda who is now in her end stages of Dementia, returned home with a full package of care in place. Bob and Brenda are now enjoying the rest of their time together with regular contact and support.

Case Study #2

I met with Mrs P who has recently been diagnosed with vascular dementia, together with her daughter and son-in-law.

I have provided information to the family over diagnosis and planning for the future, but have mainly engaged with Mrs P, as she has become somewhat isolated since the death of her best friend 2 years ago, and no longer accesses her local community (i.e. church, local shops, etc.) She once walked to her church, but turned around at the door and came home again.

After discussing Mrs P’s likes and dislikes, I offered some activities that I would take her to try. Mrs P said she would not like to try these things as she is happy at home and scared of buses, having fallen off one many years ago. On my next visit I broached the subject again, but this time asked Mrs P if she would accompany me to an activity which I had not been to before and would value her feedback.  Mrs P said this was in the area she grew up in and if it helps then she would try it. We had a good few hours out, and Mrs P has agreed to try the Activity Group with me next month.

Case Study #3

I was recently visiting with Mr C, and his daughter D.  Whilst discussing information for carers, D and I also talked about the different activities in the area for Mr C.  I have given lots of info and have discussed how I can further support her. D’s words to me were, “I thought I had nobody to turn to before, but now I know you and have your support - I feel I am not in it alone anymore and I have got someone to talk to”.

Friends & Family Feedback

The NHS wants to make sure you experience the best care. The Friends and Family Test is a way of getting feedback about your experience which will help us to improve the quality of service provided by the Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service.