Resolving Distress in Dementia - by Jo James & Ruby Fitzhenry & Rachel Thompson (Paperback)

About the Book

The essential guide to distress in people with dementia in clinical settings, helping you to understand the underlying causes and provide compassionate, person-centred care. Case studies, expert analysis and practical advice show you how to respond to distressed behaviour and reduce the risk of future incidents.

Book Synopsis

GP surgeries, outpatient clinics, and hospitals can be difficult for people with dementia, as physical and emotional discomfort can build up and become overwhelming. This book invites healthcare workers to examine the root causes of distress for people with dementia in clinical settings, and offers ways to resolve incidents without the need for restraint or sedation. It also suggests strategies for reflection after incidents and forward planning, to support patients and staff and reduce the frequency of difficult interactions.

Each chapter includes illustrative case studies to bring key concepts and dilemmas to life, and is supported by analysis and practical advice rooted in the authors' extensive experience in dementia care.

This guide helps healthcare professionals to understand why people with dementia may become distressed in a clinical setting, and gives them the tools to not only resolve incidents, but create a person-centred, supportive environment to reduce future distress.

Review Quotes

If you ever thought you know a lot about dementia, read this and be inspired, educated and challenged. Resolving Distress in Dementia is accessible, well written and demonstrates the art of exceptional intelligent caring.--Dr Dawne Garrett, Independent Consultant Nurse

This book is essential reading for all staff in care settings and provides an invaluable insight into why someone may be distressed. The key questions suggested throughout will enable staff to identify and plan appropriate approaches to reduce the person's distress.--Dr Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse and CEO Dementia UK

About the Author

Jo James (Author)
Jo James is a registered nurse with over 35 years' experience in acute hospital care and currently works as a consultant nurse for dementia and delirium at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

Ruby Fitzhenry (Author)
Ruby Fitzhenry is an RMN with a background working in inpatient dementia services, mental health forensic services and Parkinson's disease and dementia research. Ruby currently works as a dementia clinical nurse specialist supporting inpatients in acute hospitals.

Rachel Thompson (Author)
At the time of writing, Rachel Thompson was a Dementia Clinical Nurse Specialist with a background in intensive care. Prior to nursing, she worked as a dementia adviser in the community. She is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding long-term conditions and helping people live well.

Mel Tumongha (Contributor)
Mel Tumongha worked as a registered nurse in the Philippines for 12 years before moving to the UK where she has worked as a staff nurse on a medicine for the elderly ward and as a dementia clinical nurse specialist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.