25/08/2026
Going into hospital?
A hospital admission can be stressful at any age, particularly for an older person who may be unwell, tired or suddenly finding themselves in an unfamiliar environment.
One simple way to help hospital staff understand the person they are caring for is to complete a “This is me” document in advance.
Although This is me was developed by Alzheimer’s Society, you do not have to have dementia to benefit from it.
Older people can sometimes develop delirium during an illness or hospital stay. Delirium is a sudden change in a person’s thinking, awareness or behaviour and can happen to someone who has never previously experienced memory problems or confusion.
If a person becomes confused or has difficulty explaining things for themselves, This is me can provide hospital staff with useful information about:
* What they are normally like
* What they can usually do independently
* How they communicate
* Whether they use hearing aids or glasses
* Important people in their life
* Their usual routines
* What reassures or comforts them
* Things that may cause distress or anxiety
* Their interests, likes and dislikes
* What matters most to them
Having this information available can help staff understand what is normal for that person and see the person behind the patient, especially at a time when they may be unable to explain these things themselves.
You may never need to use it, but completing a copy in advance and keeping it somewhere easy to find could be very helpful in the event of an unexpected hospital admission.
👉 This is me can be downloaded free from Alzheimer’s Society using the link below:
