UU researchers to help deal with dementia

Researchers from the University of Ulster have joined a UK-wide network aimed at finding new and improved way for hospitals, nursing homes and individual carers cope with dementia patients who go wandering.

The network is the first of its kind in the UK and will bring together researchers, development workers, practitioners - and older people themselves to explore and debate the challenges associated with wandering and related behaviours among older people who have dementia.

Brendan McCormack, Professor of Nursing Research at the University of Ulster and Director of Nursing Research at the Royal Group of Hospitals in Belfast, is heading up the partnership with colleagues from the Universities of Edinburgh, Northumbria, and the Royal College of Nursing Institute.

Professor McCormack said: “Wandering behaviour among older people in health and social care settings is one of the most challenging aspects of practice and often results in restraining or containment strategies being used.

“These generally have a negative impact on older people, and we need to develop new ways of working that do not restrict the autonomy of older people as much.”

Dr Heather Wilkinson of Northumbria and Edinburgh universities added: “The grant from the Burdett Trust will enable us to develop a series of seminars that will bring together older people, researchers, development workers and clinicians to explore this complex issue. Our intention is to raise awareness and interest in this issue and enable person-centred and evidence based practice to be developed”.

The network will bring together researchers, practice based staff and older people through a series of seminars across the UK in order to develop an action plan for future action.

The first seminar will be held in Belfast in September with further events planned for Newcastle (England), Scotland and Wales. Leading nurse researchers from the US will also be invited to share their knowledge on wandering.

(MB)