genus perspective
Helping a new helper understand the person
A July 2024 NHS initiative highlighted personal routines and preferences in dementia care. Our perspective explores a simple welcome conversation that helps a trusted helper meet the person behind the task list.
What we found in the news
In July 2024, the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust (opens in a new tab) announced a booklet to help staff understand a person’s preferences, routines and life history. Inspired by Alzheimer’s Society’s This is me, it was developed with community members, people living with dementia and carers.
“This helps to tell us what a person likes, dislikes”
— Cindy Storer, Deputy Chief Nurse, Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
The announcement describes a local care initiative. It is not a trial demonstrating a particular health benefit. What caught our attention was the practical emphasis on knowing the person, alongside knowing what support they need.
Why this matters to us
A familiar caregiver may know that someone likes a quiet start to the morning, enjoys talking about gardening or prefers to be asked before receiving help. A new helper may have no way of knowing those things.
At genus, we think that everyday understanding deserves a place in the handoff. It can make an introduction more personal and give the person receiving support an active role.
This does not require writing a biography. It requires noticing which details would help someone arrive respectfully and begin a comfortable conversation.
Introduce a person, then a routine
Our suggestion is to prepare a short introduction with the person whenever possible.
Begin with the name they like to use. Add one interest they enjoy sharing and one ordinary preference that matters to their day. Then explain the specific help that has been agreed.
For example, a family friend arriving for an afternoon visit might learn that the person enjoys records, likes choosing the music themselves and would appreciate help setting out the cups. That is a clearer invitation than a general instruction to keep them occupied.
Let the person correct the description. A preference remembered by a relative may have changed, or it may depend on the day. Ask what they want the helper to know and what they would rather keep private.
Introduce the helper directly when possible. Give both people time to ask questions. If a task involves professional instructions or training, arrange that through the appropriate care team; a friendly introduction cannot supply those skills.
End by explaining whom the helper can contact about the agreed visit and when the arrangement will be reviewed.
The genus connection
Today, the genusConnect Care App (opens in a new tab) supports enabled conversations, events and tasks for invited community members. Features and access depend on the organization’s configuration.
An agreed conversation can help family members prepare a helper’s introduction and clarify the visit. Share only appropriate information with the people involved. Our mission connection is helping everyday coordination preserve individuality, so that getting assistance does not mean becoming only a list of tasks.
One question to take away
What would you want a new helper to know about the person before their first visit?
Supporting references
- We're taking a step forward to improve dementia care across Rotherham (opens reference preview; direct link opens in a new tab)
The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust · 2024-07-17
An implementation announcement describes a booklet inspired by Alzheimer’s Society, developed with local community members, people living with dementia and carers.
