Psychosocial mental health and wellbeing support

The following resources will act as helpful guides to enable you to care for someone living with dementia, whilst also being able to look after yourself in these unprecedented times.

Key considerations in supporting people living with dementia in care homes during the COVID- 19 Pandemic

This learning resource comprises of 5 short learning bytes to support you to refresh and develop your understanding about dementia and support people in care homes living with dementia and their families and carers to maintain the best quality of life possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. The content is based on the Dementia Skilled Improving Practice resource and the Essentials in Psychological Care - Dementia training programme and are for staff working at the Skilled Level as stipulated within the Promoting Excellence framework.

The learning bytes are as follows:

• Understanding dementia

• Supporting the physical health needs of people with dementia and their families during the COVID -19 pandemic

• Using activities, connections and communication to prevent distress

• Proactive approaches to prevent distress and promote psychological wellbeing during COVID-19 pandemic

• Protecting the human rights of people with dementia during COVID -19

Click here to access the resource: https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/30500/coronavirus-covid-19/practice-in-the-community-setting/mental-health-dementia-and-learning-disabilities#dementia 

Proactive strategies:

Including meeting the needs of people with Dementia.

Communication:

•    Dementia support

Read: how to talk to someone with dementia about COVID-19.

•    Aphasia friendly

COVID-19 accessible information in a range of different languages.

Staff/carer wellbeing:

Supporting the wellbeing of carers and other staff.

Other:

•    Alzheimer Scotland

Watch: being prepared going into hospital and complying with 'stay at home measures' when supporting someone with dementia (also available as podcasts).

Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, face to face cognitive screening may not always be possible.  This webinar provides information about using the MoCA-Blind, a cognitive screening tool for use over the telephone. It outlines the steps necessary to use the MoCA-Blind and provides practical training and tips. The target audience is staff across GGC who may be required to conduct phone based cognitive screening as part of an MDT assessment of cognitive problems.

Click here to access the Webinar: https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/b2446bb6-1c2b-4eb1-a38f-129936157fbc

Please note that the link above is currently only available for NHS workers. A public link will be made available next week.

This webinar was developed by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde clinicians. It is staff’s responsibility to keep up to date with current guidelines and clinical practice in relation to the MoCA

People with learning disabilities may be particularly vulnerable to the recent changes and additional stresses brought about by the current pandemic. Here are some resources to support you in your work.

•    Scottish Commission for Learning Disability (SCLD) and Scottish Government

Read: Sections 1-5 Easy Read Documents.

•    Inclusion Europe: 5 steps to prevent harm to people with intellectual disabilities and their families in Coronavirus emergency

•    The Knowledge Network: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Read: Key considerations in promoting positive practice for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Module:

• If you already have an account with Turas Learn, login and access the Autism across the lifespan : because life happens module.

• If you do not have an account, it is simple and free to register with Turas Learn.

• Note this account is the same as your Turas Appraisal account.