The Northern Trust provides dementia care and support in both hospital and community settings.
Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms caused by diseases that affect the brain. These symptoms can include problems with memory, thinking, communication and daily activities, and generally become more severe over time.
The most common types of dementia are:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
- Frontotemporal dementia
Dementia care in community settings
Our Community Mental Health Teams for Older People assess individuals who may have dementia and provide support, treatment and ongoing care for those living with the condition.
We offer a range of services to help people with dementia remain as independent as possible, including:
- Memory Service
- Dementia Navigator Service
- Dementia Occupational Therapy
- Dementia Supported Living
- Dementia Home Support Team
Find out more about our range of services and support for people living with dementia and their families.
Learn more about Community Dementia Services.
Dementia care in hospital
We are committed to providing compassionate, person-centred care for people living with dementia during their hospital stay.
Dementia companions
Our Dementia companions provide a valuable support service for patients living with dementia in hospital. They work alongside ward staff to offer therapeutic engagement, meaningful activities and gentle distraction techniques that help maintain wellbeing and reduce anxiety.
The service also supports patients experiencing delirium, confusion or cognitive impairment, including those who may be awaiting a dementia diagnosis.
Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities (RITA)
We use Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities (RITA) technology to support patients living with dementia while in hospital. Available for use by Dementia Companions and ward staff, the system consists of a mobile touchscreen unit with a detachable tablet.
RITA provides access to a wide range of activities designed to stimulate memory, encourage social interaction and support wellbeing, including:
- Interactive apps and games
- Relaxation music
- Archive news footage
- Historic photographs and images
- Leisure and recreational activities
These resources can help spark memories, encourage conversation and support meaningful connections between patients, their families, carers and healthcare staff.
Watch our video to learn more about how RITA technology supports patients in our hospitals.
Meaningful activities on wards
All inpatient wards across our acute and community hospitals have access to an Enhanced Care Activity Folder. These folders contain a range of resources designed to promote therapeutic engagement and cognitive stimulation, including:
- Reminiscence materials and photographs
- Puzzles and word games
- Colouring activities
- Life story booklets
These activities help patients remain engaged, encourage social interaction and support emotional wellbeing during their hospital stay.
Our activity resources are designed to strengthen engagement between patients, relatives and staff, providing meaningful activity that enhances quality of care. By supporting wellbeing and reducing distress, these interventions can contribute to a more positive hospital experience.