**New Role** Royal Adelaide Hospital / Hampstead Centre - Dementia Care Companion

**New Role**

Dementia Care Companion

(RAH & Hampstead Sites Only)

As a Dementia Care Companion, you will make a significant difference in the well-being of patients living with dementia during their hospital stay. Your role is crucial in helping patients feel engaged, connected, and less isolated. You'll provide agreed support, focusing on their strengths, and assist in diffusing behaviours when necessary. By maintaining their hobbies or introducing new ones, creating opportunities for meaningful activities, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment, you'll contribute to enhancing their overall well-being. Your dedication will positively impact the lives of those in CALHNs care.

 

Duties

  • Take part in meaningful activities such as arts and crafts.
  • Spend time chatting, listening, or reminiscing, this provides emotional reassurance and support.
  • Undertake activities that are appropriate to the patient. This may include listening to music together, playing cards or board games or doing a puzzle.
  • Reading books and newspapers with patients.
  • Offer and facilitate services including walks in the gardens.
  • Guiding and orientating patients within the hospital facility where required.
  • Providing practical support, reducing risk, and improving the physical well-being of the patient.
  • Helping manage challenging behaviours: Dementia is a progressive condition that can alter a person's behaviour based on various factors. The approach to diffusing these behaviours will vary depending on the situation and will be guided by a clinical staff member.
  • Liaising with patients, families, and staff as requested to communicate relevant information to gain knowledge about the patients’ individual preferences for a patient focused approach.

 

 

 

Hours of Service

Shift times:                  Between 8:30am to 4:00pm

Days:                           Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

Location of shift:         Inpatient Wards at RAH and Hampstead Centre Only

 

Mandatory Training

We are currently accepting applications of interested people for this new role. As it is currently in its pilot stage we are collating interested names for our next training workshop (dates to be advised). Attendance at the training workshop is mandatory for this role and will only be held on a needs basis and when we have enough interested applicants.