NHS Lanarkshire’s mental health and learning disability service has developed a new online dementia post-diagnostic support tool for carers, patients and health practitioners.
The online resource provides people living with dementia, their families and carers with the tools, connections, resources and plans to allow them to live as well as possible with dementia and prepare for the future. The online tool, developed in partnership with a number of agencies including Alzheimer Scotland, also highlights the local supports and resources available in Lanarkshire.
Maureen Cossar, practice improvement and development nurse for mental health and learning disabilities, said: “The online tool was developed to enhance the post-diagnostic support that is already provided by our service. It is full of information to support people through their journey with dementia by providing practical advice and guidance.
“It also offers information about what support is available in Lanarkshire for people living with dementia and those who care and support them.”
The online post diagnostic dementia support tool is accessible via mobile phone, tablet or computer and has been designed as an alternative method of accessing information.
The online resource will be launched at events in north and south Lanarkshire as follows:
- Monday 11 March – East Kilbride library, 40 Princes Mall, East Kilbride shopping centre, 10.30am–12.30pm;
- Wednesday 13 March – Motherwell library, 35 Hamilton Road, Motherwell, 10.30am–12.30pm.
The events, which will be held on a drop-in basis, will be opened by Dr Avril Osborne, vice-chair of North Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board and non-executive director of Lanarkshire NHS Board.
Representatives from a number of organisations, including Alzheimer Scotland and the Lanarkshire Carers Resource Centre, will be in attendance, with information stands on display.
To access the resource, visit: http://www.clinicalknowledgepublisher.scot.nhs.uk/Published/pathwayViewer.aspx?fileId=2598&drilldown=2598,2893&nodeId=19
A patient information leaflet entitled ‘Dementia Online Post Diagnostic Support’ has also been produced to help users navigate through the site. To download the leaflet, visit: www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
Photo caption L-R: Mary Gilfillan, senior nurse, mental health and learning disability service; Maureen Cossar, practice improvement and development nurse for mental health and learning disabilities and Helen Fox, nurse consultant, old age psychiatry/Alzheimer Scotland
