There are over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and here in Bristol, we treat thousands of people each year living with conditions that affect their brain, like Alzheimer’s. Sometimes they’ll be in our hospitals for an operation or treatment, or if they’ve had a fall.
Hospitals can be very distressing to dementia patients, who might not understand where they are or why they are there. With an increasingly elderly population and more cases of dementia year-on-year, we are so lucky to have the support of so many amazing people across Bristol and beyond who help our hospitals lead the way in giving dementia patients outstanding, tailored care.
Reading has been shown to delay dementia, reduce stress and improve sleep. Since we brought in audiobook players in for dementia patients, we’ve had amazing feedback from patients and staff alike.
Creative interactions improve the mental and physical wellbeing of patients and reduce isolation and loneliness. Our weekly arts and music sessions brighten our patients’ days and bring back treasured memories.
“During one of the music sessions with the Play it Again musicians, one of our patients stood up and began to dance, and I could see a tear fall from his eye. His family saw that and were very grateful for that moment.” Bev Davies, Matron, Elgar Enablement Unit
With the support of the John James Bristol Foundation, Elgar House has been transformed. Where the previous ward environment was difficult for patients with dementia to navigate, they now find themselves in a calming and relaxing environment, which has a huge impact on their care.
Old suspended ceilings have been replaced and now make way to new, soft lighting; all patient wander zones are no longer blocked by nurse stations and have dementia-friendly flooring with clear, easy to understand signage; beds are now personalised with uniquely colour-coded bays, vinyl-wrapping, and personalised cupboards; the artwork and clocks are dementia-friendly, and nurses now have smaller, dedicated workstations which given them a 360-degree view of patients.
Creative projects, like our Fresh Arts programmes, are critical to the wellbeing of patients with dementia and they rely entirely on the support of generous people like you. Please help thousands of patients and set up a regular donation today.
