Hospital stays can be unfamiliar or stressful, especially for people who have difficulty communicating, become confused, or feel anxious in busy environments. TOP5 helps staff understand what matters to the person, using practical strategies shared by carers.
These insights support care that is safe, respectful and reflects the person’s needs and preferences.
Why TOP5 is helpful in hospital
TOP5 helps hospital staff:
- understand how best to communicate with the person
- recognise triggers that may cause distress
- respond consistently across different wards and shifts
- support the person to feel calm, safe and comfortable
- provide care that aligns with what matters to the person
Carers often know the person’s routines, preferences and early warning signs. TOP5 ensures this knowledge is shared with staff so everyone can provide care in a way that works best for the person.
What to include in a hospital TOP5
A hospital TOP5 may include:
- communication cues
- sensory preferences (noise, lighting, touch)
- routines that help the person feel settled
- strategies that reduce distress or confusion
- mobility or safety considerations
- comfort measures that help the person relax
Examples:
- “I need extra time to answer questions.”
- “I prefer explanations before procedures.”
- “I become distressed if left alone in busy areas.”
- “I settle best when my favourite music is playing.”
- “I respond well when staff use my preferred name.”
How staff use TOP5 in hospital
TOP5 can be used:
- during admission
- at handover between shifts
- when transferring between wards
- when behaviours change or the person becomes unsettled
- to support safe discharge planning
TOP5 is displayed where staff can easily see it, helping everyone respond in a consistent and supportive way.
Working together
Carers and staff create TOP5 together. Carers share what works well at home or in familiar environments, and staff add observations from the hospital setting. This shared approach helps the person feel understood and supported throughout their stay.
If the person’s needs change, TOP5 can be updated at any time.