Therapeutic Approaches and Self-management information

General information and advice from AHP’s about living well with dementia can be accessed here: AHP PDS Resource WEB.pdf (alzscot.org)

Life Story

Life story work is useful for promoting person-centred care and facilitating communication:

Creating a life story for a person with dementia – Dementia UK

Getting to Know Me

This document aims to give hospital staff a better understanding of patients with dementia who are admitted either for planned treatment, such as an operation, or in an emergency.

Getting to Know Me | Alzheimer Scotland (alzscot.org)

Playlist for Life

A personalised playlist can assist with managing the symptoms of dementia and strengthening connections with family and carers. Find out how to create one here:

Playlist for Life – Personal music for dementia

Memory Strategies

This leaflet was created by AHP colleagues in NHS Lanarkshire who have granted permission for NHS Scotland colleagues to use it in their local areas.

A4 – PIL.MEMORY.19_03943.L.pdf (alzscot.org

There are several sections on the connecting people, connecting support (dementiatogether.online) website which discuss different memory strategies, in particular ‘Memory books’ and ‘Checklists’.

Communication Strategies

Dementia can impact upon communication skills in many ways. As AHP’s there are many tools and strategies that we can use to enhance our communication skills when working with people living with dementia.

5 Good Communication Standard Easy Read Version

Communicating Well with Dementia

Tips for talking: Tips for Talking 2024 updated.pdf (alzscot.org)

Tips for Eating and Drinking

There are many reasons why eating and drinking can be difficult for people living with dementia. This leaflet includes some advice for supporting good nutrition and hydration.

Physical Health

It is important for people with a dementia diagnosis and their carers to remain physically active. Here are some tools that you can share to assist with this:

Physical Activity and Exercise Ideas for people Living with Dementia

Physical Activity at Home 2021 DIGITAL October.pdf (alzscot.org)

Footcare

Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails and other problems with feet can cause pain and reduce mobility. Here are some resources to support good footcare. If specialist support is required, refer to your local Podiatry team.

www.nhsgrampian.org/service-hub/podiatry has links to videos and guides about caring for your, or others, feet.

The Royal College of Podiatry (rcpod.org.uk) has links to information about many common foot conditions.

Activities

Keeping people living with dementia engaged in meaningful activities is hugely important for their mental and physical health. Here are some resources to help them get started.