Activity packs for dementia patients launched
New activity packs which aim to maintain patients’ wellbeing through painting and music have been designed by nurses at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
The activity packs, which have been developed by the team behind the carer’s passport, aim to help dementia patients keep active and occupied while they are in hospital.
Joanna James, lead dementia nurse at the Trust said:
“Keeping dementia patients active and occupied while in hospital is vital to their wellbeing and maintaining their sense of self-worth. Our activity packs have been designed to enable dementia patients to have a more comfortable and dignified stay in hospital, where they are able to keep busy with activities they may have enjoyed in the past, such as painting, completing jigsaw puzzles or listening to music.
“The packs are also filled with ‘reminiscence books’ which include large pictures of anything from flowers to sporting heroes. The books which aim to trigger memories from the patient’s life and can help create meaningful discussion points for patients and staff.
“For patients who feel anxious or just need something to do with their hands, the packs offer simple tactile objects such as wool or specially designed tactile balls to play with, which can provide relief from anxiety.”
The packs will be delivered to each of the Trust’s eight elderly care wards during dementia awareness week a national initiative from the Alzheimer’s Society which runs from 17 – 23 May 2015.
Throughout dementia week the dementia nursing team will also be manning stalls at each of the Trust’s main hospital sites where patients and members of the public can pick up information and advice about life with dementia. Staff will also be offering five minute hand massages for a small donation which will help the dementia team provide more activity packs and replenish the existing kits.
