Cognitive impairment can affect us all. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has just released their new Caring for Cognitive Impairment campaign.
The Caring for Cognitive Impairment campaign is about providing better outcomes and experiences for patients with cognitive impairment in hospitals, and for their loved ones and staff who care for them. By improving our knowledge and care practices, we can reduce the risk of harm in hospital.
The campaign website has a wealth of information, tools, stories and resources aimed at those working in hospitals caring for people with cognitive impairment. The website will also help hospitals prepare for the new cognitive impairment items in the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (second edition). There is even an app “A better way to care’ which provides access to these resources from your phone or tablet.
Anyone interested in cognitive impairment is encouraged to commit to caring for cognitive impairment. There is a role for everyone: people living with cognitive impairment, carers, family members and other support people, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, health service managers, and care and support staff.
Cognitive champions are in hospitals, in primary health, in the community, and in residential care. You can sign up to be a champion or contact one for ideas about the campaign and promoting caring for cognitive impairment in your health service. Individuals can share their story to help others as well as exploring the information and resources on the site. Hospitals can also share their initiatives.
For more information, click here to go to the Caring for Cognitive Impairment website.