Companion Hands in the ER: Empowering Dementia Patients
Assistance for Dementia Patients in ER Settings - Emergency Aid for Dementia Patients - Assistance in Managing Dementia Cases in Emergency Rooms
The hospital hustle is a common sight, but for the elderly, particularly those with dementia, this chaos can worsen their health outcomes. Volunteer guides in three German hospitals in Göttingen, Mannheim, and Berlin aim to change this, giving these patients a better shot at recovery.
The grave concern is the occurrence of acute confusion, often termed as delirium. Dementia patients are particularly susceptible, and it can stem from surgeries or other sudden changes. Bettina von Arnim, director of the Geriatrics Clinic at the University Medical Center Göttingen, explains this phenomenon.
Calming Conversations
To prevent delirium, volunteers like Kerstin Schneider are on hand at the University Medical Center. "Their role is to keep people grounded in the present," von Arnim says. Schneider shares, "Many just want someone to talk to. That alone can soothe them." Simple gestures like holding hands often work wonders. One instance involves a dementia patient, who stopped screaming when Schneider sat next to her.
Schneider intentionally avoids wearing a lab coat and introduces herself without medical staff. This way, she isn't associated with potentially intimidating medical personnel. Like her medical counterparts, Schneider is bound by confidentiality.
Growing the Guide Team
Schneider is currently one of two volunteers on duty in Göttingen. Eight more are set to join soon, ranging from students to seniors. No medical training is necessary. Schneider, a retired nurse and active volunteer, usually works twice a month for six to seven hours on days of her choosing.
Though quiet moments are rare, Schneider never has nothing to do. If there aren't patients in the ER, she helps out in the geriatric ward. To handle her duties as a guide, she undergoes training on topics such as dementia, delirium, and hygiene. But the key is approaching each individual with an open mind.
The University Medical Center Göttingen Embraces the Idea
Initially, the medical staff in the ER had reservations. Fearing that more volunteers would clog the narrow corridors, they welcomed the newcomers with skepticism. Says von Arnim, "Now, they're thrilled when we arrive because we take tasks off their plate."
Since September, the guide program has been in effect in Göttingen. So far, 30 to 50 patients have received care, but the potential is much greater. According to statistics, around 5 to 10% of ER patients deal with dementia or delirium, and this number is on the rise.
The Future of Guide Programs
This project in Göttingen builds on a 2019 pilot project at Berlin’s Charité, with the goal of boosting recovery rates. Regular feedback sessions with questionnaires are held, allowing navigators and nursing staff to evaluate the program. Small improvements have already been made, such as providing a bag filled with books and games for patient and guide interaction.
Plans are underway in Göttingen to continue the trial phase beyond 2025. The Charité is also looking to sustain the program. Schneider hopes, "Maybe similar offers will become available nationwide soon." However, health insurance providers currently do not cover these programs.
The German Foundation for Patient Protection supports the initiative. But board member Eugen Brysch advises for a more comprehensive solution, namely full-time specialized staff. He also advocates for health insurance coverage for relatives' in-house stays in the ER when medically necessary.
Without specific data, it's hard to gauge the exact impact of the guide program. However, given the importance of community support and holistic care, their role could be significant if implemented effectively.
bonus insights:
- Dementia care often involves a holistic approach, with support from healthcare professionals, community engagement, and specialized services
- Volunteers play a crucial role in healthcare, providing emotional support and enhancing patient experiences
- Dementia patients often face challenges in healthcare settings, such as loneliness and lack of specialized care
- The German healthcare system faces challenges in providing adequate support for dementia patients, but integrating volunteers could be beneficial
- Potential impacts of volunteer guides include emotional support, improved navigation, and enhanced overall care for dementia patients
- In light of the holistic approach often used for dementia care, it could be advantageous to implement science-based health-and-wellness programs, such as the volunteer guide program, in hospitals across Germany to provide additional mental health support for dementia patients.
- To ensure the success of the volunteer guide program and its potential impact on dementia patients, it is crucial to establish community policies that advocate for the value of these programs and work towards securing health insurance coverage for such initiatives.
