Right now, a patient with dementia is trying to complete a puzzle in a busy, communal hospital bay. With the constant noise and interruptions, it’s a difficult task.
This is the daily reality for many of our dementia patients. The number of people living with dementia is growing, and with an estimated 40% of people over 65 in our hospitals living with the condition, we must do more to support their unique needs.
We can change this. Your donation can help us create a dedicated activity room on Oxhey Ward at Watford General Hospital. This new space will provide a calming and dedicated environment for therapeutic and stimulating activities, from arts and crafts and board games to music and seated exercises.
A donation today will directly fund these crucial improvements, helping us to provide our patients with the peace and dignity they deserve.
Please donate today and help us provide our patients with a space for hope and healing.
The new room will be a safe, quiet space dedicated solely to patient well-being, where they can relax and engage in activities without interruption or disruption from routine ward care.
The room will be filled with a wide range of activities to improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety, including quizzes (famous faces, birds, sports), board games (dominos, chess, Connect 4), matching card games, and reminiscence sessions using old books and artifac
The new space will allow for a variety of engaging physical activities, from seated exercise classes and balloon tennis to skittles, shuffleboard, and Omivista projector games.
Patients can enjoy a group activity or spend one-to-one time with a carer, providing a sense of independence and empowerment.
A dedicated, purpose-built space removes the risks associated with providing activities in a busy ward.
This creates a safer environment for patients and staff by reducing the risk of falls and helping to maintain a clear, uncluttered space.
A regular schedule of activities in a dedicated space helps re-establish a sense of day and time for patients who may have lost it. This can reduce anxiety and provide welcome structure to their day.
The insights from this project will directly inform the design of the new hospital at Watford General, ensuring that dementia-friendly principles are embedded from the outset. By investing now, we are not only transforming care for today’s dementia patients, but also shaping a better environment for generations to come.
Currently, our dedicated staff provide therapeutic activities for dementia patients in a busy communal ward, where sessions are often interrupted by personal care and must be quickly cleared away for mealtimes.
Your donation will fund a dedicated space that goes above and beyond to provide our patients with dignity, comfort, and much-needed stimulation, free from the interruptions of a busy ward.
“The creation of a dedicated activities space on Oxhey Ward is a huge step forward in how we care for our patients with delirium and dementia. We’re aiming for an environment that feels less like a hospital and more like a home.”
– Katy Pardy, Dementia Specialist Practitioner
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