DEMENTIA patients from north and west Belfast will be able to access palliative care from the Northern Ireland Hospice for the first time when a new building opens next week.
Music, arts and reminiscence therapy, plus aromatherapy, reflexology and the creation of 'memory boxes' are all being offered to people with dementia approaching the end of their life.
The Hospice Enabled Dementia Partnerships pilot programme was launched at the Somerton Road building in north Belfast yesterday ahead of its opening next Wednesday following a multi-million pound refurbishment project.
Programme ambassador Sarah Travers, a former broadcaster whose late father had been diagnosed with dementia, spoke of her pleasure that patients and their families will be able to avail of advice and support including help at home, transport, social support and complementary therapies.
"The fact that Northern Ireland Hospice is offering tailored support and care to each individual and their carer is so important."
Supported by Atlantic Philanthropies, the three-year pilot will involve improved access to tailored palliative care, including Care in the Community, day hospice services and in-patient support for symptom management as required.
The hospice said dementia will become increasingly common in the north, with the numbers of people diagnosed will treble by 2051.
Project leader Joanne Ballentine said until now people with dementia wouldn't necessarily be referred to special palliative care and the team looks forward to supporting patients, carers and visitors.
She has been working with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Alzheimer's Society to ensure staff and volunteers have appropriate skills and can take specific needs into consideration.
"It's about having very key thought of what is this person's needs, understanding and cognition," she said.
"We can adapt and change to ensure families are supported appropriately."
