Our Older People's Appeal is raising money to bring special entertainment systems, called My Life Dementia Improvement Systems, as well as other activities, to the older people wards across all our hospital sites; Heartlands Hospital, Solihull Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
The My Life units enable patients with dementia to communicate more effectively with staff and loved ones, providing interactive software to help encourage dialogue and aid memory. The software has been developed by carers for carers, helping to keep care focused on the patient and their wellbeing.
Charlotte Schofield, Head of Fundraising at UHB Charity, said: “This specialist software will help staff to learn more about patients’ interests, hobbies, likes and dislikes, allowing them to strike up engaging conversations.
“It also provides reminiscence activities such as movies and film clips from days gone by. The games on the system help encourage activity, whilst a life story book can also be created for patients, and includes memories and pictures. These can be personalised to each patient and families can get involved too.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for people to get behind a local appeal that makes a difference to real people, at a time when it is most needed. We hope as many people as possible recognise the chance to make a real difference and show their support for elderly patients at the largest hospitals in Birmingham.”
We also fund orientation clocks and signs that show whether it is day or night, dementia friends crockery as well as twiddle muffs, dolls and large pieced jigsaws to help calm people with dementia.
£1,500 can fund one My Life Dementia Improvement System. If your group, club or business would like to make a donation to please contact charities@uhb.nhs.uk for more information
