People with dementia are benefiting from an improved care environment thanks to design enhancements on an elderly care ward at Heartlands Hospital.
Simple but important changes have been made to the Hospital’s Ward 30 to achieve a more therapeutic, safe and stimulating environment for those with dementia and their relatives.
Senior sister, Helen Seymour said: “We are focused on get things right for our patients and know that long periods in hospital can be unpleasant and distressing. By providing this relaxed friendly environment we are already noticing some improvements in our patients, moods are settled which results in less fear and confusion.
“Low level mood lighting has been introduced in the main reception area, the nursing station on the ward has been removed to create closer nursing relationships and the colour scheme has been chosen to create a relaxed ambiance.
“Patients have easy access to music and activities that will stimulate them during their hospital stay. And by introducing a communal dining area, patients are prompted to eat at meal times in a more social environment with other patients, staff and relatives and helps with their nutritional status.”
In addition, the communal area for patients has been kitted out with comfy seats and 50s style TV and wallpaper to add to the relaxed and calm atmosphere.
As well as these design features there are plans to introduce therapeutic visiting from 11am to 8pm to increase carer involvement, and a programme of arts and music sessions are in the pipeline which will provide opportunities for patients to socialise and get involved in activities taking place on the wards.
Ward 30 was recently presented with the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust ‘Paul and Phyllis Winter Essence of Care’ staff recognition award 2014. Helen Seymour is also no stranger to success having been invited to discuss the innovative dementia care work taking place at the Hospital at the Houses of Parliament during the summer.
Due to the success of these enhancements on Ward 30, plans are in place to roll out the concept across Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, which consists of Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospital, as part of its dementia strategy. The fact that one in three people over the age of 65 develops dementia, accounting for 40 percent of the Trust’s patients, has acted as a driving force for developing this strategy.
