Appeal launched to benefit dementia patients
A special appeal is being launched aimed at helping people living with and caring for those with dementia.
The Health Tree Foundation (HTF), the official charity for Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Goole hospitals, has joined forces with the Trust’s dementia nurse specialists and is launching a new appeal called Golden Leaves.
Launched during Dementia Awareness Week, which runs from May 14 to 20, its initial aim is to raise £15,000 to buy two state-of-the-art pieces of equipment which will provide vital stimulation for dementia patients.
Quality matron Rachel Greenbeck, who is the Trust lead for dementia, said: “For people living with dementia the world can seem a very confusing place, especially when they are taken out of their routine and admitted to hospital.
“People can become even more disorientated, confused and irritated when they are in hospital, so we try and ensure their stay with us is as pleasant as possible. We already utilise such things as rummage boxes, dementia friendly clocks and signage however we want to go one step further.”
The appeal will fund two reminiscence therapy screens. These are 22” touch screen units, pre-loaded with software which can be used by patients by themselves or with nurses/therapists/carers to engage them with a wide variety of activities including relaxation music, BBC archive clips, photos, interactive games, famous speeches and much more. It also has an easily utilised ‘life collage or life story book’ facility, which can be completed with relatives to further personalise care.
Rachel said: “People with dementia often have difficulty remembering what’s happened in their lives, leaving them confused, vulnerable and less confident. However, their memories from years ago often remain intact.
“By being able to recall these memories through the screens it can be immensely enjoyable and therapeutic for people. It gives patients the opportunity to share their stories and experiences. It helps boost their self-esteem and provides a valuable connection between past and present.”
Lauren Alexander, HTF’s community champion said: “These screens are going to be able to help so many patients with dementia. Unfortunately, growing old is inevitable but making sure we have equipment like this in place will help so many people when they come into hospital.”
Once the £15,000 has been raised to buy the screens, the fund will continue to purchase things like dementia friendly toilet seats, clocks and other items which improve the environments of care for patients living with dementia.
Members of the public will be able to view the reminiscence therapy screens in the outpatients department at Grimsby hospital on Monday May 15 between 11am and 2pm, when Lauren and the dementia specialist nurses will be on hand to talk about them. They will also be at Scunthorpe General Hospital Monday 16 May between 11am and 2pm, near the PALS office.
Lauren added: “We already have a pledge of support from the Grimsby Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes and the District Provincial Grand Lodge who have said they will raise funds for us. So, please back our Golden Leaves campaign and help us meet our £15,000 target.”
If you would like to donate to the Golden Leaves appeal please visit https://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/nlagcharitablefunds/goldenleaves or if you want to hold a fundraising event please contact community champion, Lauren Alexander, on lauren.alexander@nhs.net or 03033 304514
