Dementia Companions, who provide dedicated support to patients with Dementia, Delirium and confusion during their hospital stay, were honoured at a celebratory event in Ards Hospital’s Quality Improvement and Innovation Centre.
With eight Dementia Companions currently in post across the South Eastern Trust, the gathering brought Regional Companions together for a day of discussion, learning and reflection, finishing up with a relaxing holistic sound bath session.
Toni Storey who has been a Dementia Companion in the Ulster Hospital since January 2024, explained how meaningful she finds her work, “I support people with Dementia, Delirium or confusion on the ward and I try to ensure that their journey through hospital is as settled as possible. It is so rewarding to see the difference it makes through my role to that particular patient and it makes it so worthwhile to come into work every day.”
Assistant Director of Nursing at the Public Health Agency, Sandra Aitcheson described attending the event as her “absolute pleasure”. Sandra added, “September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and this is a wonderful way to celebrate the Dementia Companions, who are simply outstanding. They are inspiring, encouraging and what they do is priceless. This very special event is a way of recognising their contribution.
“As someone whose mother has Dementia, it is even more special to be here and I cannot say loudly enough how important this resource is and what a wonderful job all these people do.”
Alzheimer’s Society, Services Manager, Fiona Brown also praised the role and said, “It is really brilliant to spend time with the Dementia Companions and Service Improvement Leads to hear about the vital work that they are carrying out within the hospital setting, supporting people with Dementia when they are at their most vulnerable. Dementia is a difficult journey, not just for the individual but for their family and community and it is crucial that we all work together to provide the right support at every stage.”
