A person who has dementia, delirium or other communication difficulties can find changes, like moving to an unfamiliar place or meeting new people who contribute to their care, unsettling or distressing. This is me can help to reduce this distress. It helps health and social care professionals build a better understanding of who the person really is, which can help them deliver care that is tailored to the person's needs.
This is me should be completed as early as possible, so the person can take it to a new place or give it to new people who contribute to their care. It should be updated as necessary.
This is me should be filled in by the individual(s) who know the person best and, wherever possible, with the person involved. It is not a medical document.
Guidance notes to help you complete This is me
Name I like to be called: Enter your full name and name you like to be called
Where I live: The area (not the full address) where you live and how long you have lived there)
The carers/people who know me best: This may be a partner, relative, friend or carer
I would like you to know: Include anything you feel is important about who you are and that will help staff to get to know and care for you. For example: I have dementia; i have never been in hospital before; I prefer female carers; my partner and I are not married; I am allergic to...; I am left-handed; other languages I can speak
My personal history, family and friends, pets and any treasured possessions: Include your place of birth, education, martial status, children, grandchildren, friends and pets. List any possessions you like to have near you - photographs, books jewellery etc.
My cultural, religious and spiritual background: Include information about your cultural or religious community if this is important to you. Do you like to attend religious services? Do you celebrator certain festivals, holidays and events? Do you observe certain practices on particular days or at specific times? Do you follow certain hygiene practices? Are aspects of your clothing and appearance importnat to you? Are there certain foods you don't eat?
My interests, jobs and achievements: List any accomplishments that you are proud of. Include clubs and memberships, hobbies or sports. Add any past jobs and volunteering activities that are important you.
Favourite places I have lived and visited: Include any former of childhood homes that are important to you, and also any favourite or significant places you have visited.
The following routines are important to me: What time do you usually get up/go to bed? What times do you prefer to eat meals? Do you enjoy a snack, walk or nap at a particular time of the day?
Things I like to do for myself: Include ways in which you like to be independent such as dressing, eating, personal hygiene
Things I might want help with: Include ways in which you like to be independent suhc as dressing, eating, personal hygiene
Things that may worry or upset me: Describe ways people can help with activities suych as dressing, getting up, eating
Things that may worry or upset me: Include anything that you may find troubling, such a family concerns, being apart from a loved one or being alone; or physical needs such as being in pain, constipated, hungry or thirsty. List environmental factors that may make you feel anxious, suhc as open doors, loud noises or the dark.
What makes me feel better I am anxious or upset: Include things that may help if you become unhappy or distressed, such as comforting words, music or TV. Does it help to have company, or do you prefer quiet time alone?
My hearing and eyesight: Can you hear well? Do you need a hearing aid? How is it best to approach you? Is the use of touch appropriate? Do you wear glasses or need any other vision aids?
How we can communicate: How do you usually communicate - verbally, using gestures, pointing or a mixture of both? Do you read and write, and does writing things down help? How do you indicate pain, discomfort, thirst or hunger? Include anything that may help staff know what you need.
My mobility: Are you mobile? Do you need help to get around? Do you need a walking aid? Can you use stairs? Can you stand unaided from a sitting position? Do you need handrails? Do you need a special chair or cushion, or do your feet need to be raised to make you comfortable?
Things that help me sleep: Include your usual sleep patterns and bedtime routine. Do you like the light to be left on or do you find it difficult to find the toilet at night? Do you have a favourite position in bed, special mattress or pillow?
My personal care: List your usual practices, preferences and how much assistance you need in the bath, shower or other. Do you prefer to wash at a particular time of day? Do you prefer a male or female carer? Do you have preferences for brands of soaps, cosmetics, toileteries, continence aids, shaving or teeth cleaning products and dentures? Do you care for style your hair in a particular way? How often do you wash your hair?
How I take my medication: Do you need help to take medication? Do you prefer to take liquid medication?
My eating and drinking: Do you prefer tea or coffee? Do you have favourite meals or food that you dislike? Do you need help to eat or drink? Can you use cutlery or do you prefer finger foods? Do you need adapted aids? Does your food need to be cut into pieces? Do you wear dentures to eat? Do you have swalloing difficulties? List any special dietary requirements.
Other notes about me: Include any details that you are nt listen above and help to show who you are - for example your favourite TV or radio shows, significant events in your past, expectations or aspirations you have. Indicate any advance plans you have made, including the person you have appointed as your attorney, and where health and social care professionals can find this information.
