The Royal British Legion Admiral Nurse Service, West Midlands and Coventry – an update
Please find below an update from the Royal British Legion Admiral Nurse Service in the West Midlands:
Firstly – a big thank you!
Since we opened our service in October 2012, we have now helped over 320 families living with dementia in the West Midlands and Coventry areas. This is only possible due to the referrals we receive from people like you, and the services you work for – so THANK YOU from us and our carers.
We have finally cleared our waiting list, and now have room for some more new clients on our books. We cover the metropolitan boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry. If you are not sure if we cover your area, please call our admin Ternisha on 03330 114188 – we can take referrals over the phone.
We take self referrals from carers also, who can call the Royal British Legion Contact Centre on 0808 802 8080 and ask for Admiral Nurses.
The basic eligibility for our service is that the carer or person with dementia must have received seven days’ pay as a regular, reserve or auxiliary member of the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force (National Service counts) – again, if you are unsure, you can call Ternisha on 03330 114188 to discuss eligibility criteria
So what do we do?
We are a team of three experienced mental health nurses who offer specialist support, information and advice for the families of people with dementia who are living in the community.
We support carers coping with the varying and diverse demands the role of looking after someone with dementia presents, for example;
Managing behaviours the carer has been struggling to handle – such as aggression, repetitive speech, forgetfulness, confusion, trying to leave the home, refusing medication, hygiene issues among many others.
Exploring and discussing difficult topics such as grief, loss, transitions and change of role – the change of moving from spouse or child to being a 24 hour carer performing personal care tasks can have a significant impact on relationships.
Exploring emotionally charged subjects, such as anger, frustration and resentment – the illness and its impact can lead to a range of emotions that carers find difficult to express or understand, and they may need to know that these feelings are not uncommon.
Admiral Nurses focus on giving psychological and emotional support to those with dementia, their families and carers. The service aims to give family carers the skills to assist with care needs, and promote positive approaches to living well and improving their quality of life. We have had overwhelmingly positive feedback from all the families we have been supporting through their journey with dementia.
If you would like one of our nurses to come and talk with you at your service to explain in more depth what we do and how we can help your clients, please call or email Ternisha on 03330 114188 tjames@britishlegion.org.uk
Twitter: @PoppyLegion
Facebook: OfficialPoppyLegion
Registered Charity Number: 219279.
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