Family support during inpatient psychiatric admissions for people with dementia

Abstract

Both the events preceding an admission and an inpatient admission itself are often emotionally challenging times for the families of people with dementia. Supporting families has been recognised in both existing literature and guidance as a role for inpatient wards, although there is little evidence base for family interventions. Although our work has always included offering support to families, this has been adapted during the ongoing pandemic; with the aim of providing consistency for our families. Feedback obtained from families highlighted the importance of good communication and feeling supported within an open and honest relationship with the ward, allowing relatives to continue to feel involved in the care of their loved one. This has highlighted the need for further research in this neglected area of dementia care and the need for clearer guidance, which we feel should be a central part of routine inpatient care.