Kettering dementia nurse on misconceptions of the condition
An event for local charities and support groups is being held today in Kettering.
A dementia nurse from Kettering General Hospital (KGH) says many people have misconceptions about the condition.
Nadia Tobierre is a Dementia Specialist Nurse at KGH and says many assume the diagnosis means an end to their skills, but that's not the case:
"I have had patients and their families say on Friday they could do one thing, and then on Saturday, after a diagnosis, they can't. And that's not the case, with the right support they can do it."
Nadia says she's met many people with dementia in and out of hospital that can lead full lives, and it doesn't mean the end of things like working or driving straight away:
"You've got skills, and just because you have dementia it doesn't mean you can't still do those things."
Nadia says even some health care professions need to be more aware of not limiting what they believe patients with dementia can do:
"There are many things people with dementia can still do, but as health care professionals and loved ones, we just want to protect and care, but we can disenable people."
When it comes to the condition she's keen for people to know an early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes for people:
"The longer that you can live independently the better, you can live well, you can continue what you were doing. Yes you will need support but you can still do the same things. Also being able access certain treatment can slow down the progression of the illness.
"It's frightening it's daunting, it can affect every part of your life. What we want to show is that there is help and support."
Dementia Awareness Open Day
This week marks Dementia Awareness Week (19th - 25th May) and Nadia has organised an awareness day with information from and for medical professionals, those with dementia and their families and loved ones. It will take place today between 10am to 3pm at Kettering’s Corn Market Hall.
Nadia says the day is about raising awareness about dementia and letting people know about the services offered both at the hospital and locally.
"We know having a diagnosis of dementia can be overwhelming. We want to help those impacted by this condition to understand what support we offer as a hospital and what’s on offer in our community.”
Various KGH departments will be on hand to talk about their services and answer any questions, including, Safeguarding, Patient Experience, Spiritual and Pastoral Care Service, Palliative Care Team and Mental Capacity Act Information.
Here are the other organisations and community groups that will also be in attendance:
• Barchester Health
• Age UK Northamptonshire
• Dementia and Delirium Service
• Memory Assessment Service (NHFT)
• Home Instead
• St Andrews Healthcare
• Northamptonshire Carers
• Alzheimer’s Society
• North Northamptonshire Dementia Friendly Community
• Tollers Solicitors
• Northamptonshire Police and Fire service
• Dementia Sings Out
• Specsavers
• Dementia UK
• Support Northamptonshire