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Assessment of mental capacity should be a routine part of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment. This guide lays out the principles which govern testing mental capacity, advance care decisions and powers of attorney, along with the safeguards.
Dealing with the management of depression as part of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment including the treatments to consider.
A series of resources which provide an introductory overview of delirium.
This report summarises the findings of a survey of the BGS membership undertaken in late 2023. It provides a snapshot into how our members are feeling about their work and the services they work in.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a considerable impact on BGS members, their patients, their way of working and their mental and emotional wellbeing. This report aims to capture these experiences and the lessons learnt from how the pandemic was handled. It also outlines what could be done better if a similar situation ever arises again.
Links, resources and tools to help support personal wellbeing during a particularly challenging time for the health and care workforce.
The first article in our fun-guarding series, George Coxon sets out what fun-guarding is and why it is important.
This section of the BGS guidance on end of life care in older people looks at the emotional and psychological needs that may be present as an older person approaches the end of life.
Many of our most important and fun moments relate to our family, explains David Attwood.
'Fun' and 'safe' do not have to be opposite concepts, writes Susan Shenkin.
Trisha Elliott reflects on how she would like fun to be guarded when she approaches frailty in older age.
Consider whether an activity will bring joy to an older person over whether it is socially appropriate, says Jenni Mack.
Talk to residents about what they want to achieve and you might be surprised, says Caroline Benham.
Depression and anxiety can severely affect the quality of life of those living with dementia but the overlap of symptoms can present challenges.
A joint report by the BGS and RCPsychs which collates and showcases examples of the best practice which flow from effective interdisciplinary collaboration and practice in treating depression in older people living in care homes.
Delirium is categorised by a sudden onset of fluctuating altered consciousness with changes to perception and cognitive function.
Joint activities such as art, sewing, knitting, cooking or growing plants help relationships grow between the generations.
This Practice Question has been published with the kind permission of the Royal College of Nursing.
Clinical guidelines and tailored resources from NICE on supporting people with dementia, mental wellbeing of older people in care homes and a video illustrating the NICE quality standards for mental wellbeing in care homes.
Feeling anxious from time to time is a normal human experience. When someone is anxious they might experience feelings of tension, nervousness, heightened awareness, fear or uncertainty, dry mouth and throat, and tightness in the chest.
In 2008 a letter was sent to 826 residential homes in one state in Australia asking them what information was available that addressed issues of intimacy and sexuality.