Brighter Futures has issued a special video as part of its dementia appeal.
The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s charity launched the appeal in 2020 with the goal of making the hospital more dementia-friendly.
The video - which can be viewed at https://youtu.be/GZ45frZoNSI - is part of the legacy of a patient called Pat, who died in April of last year, and whose family proudly support the appeal.
One in three people are likely to develop dementia in their lifetime, and the trust treats around 175 patients with dementia every month.
After experiencing a prolonged stay at Great Western Hospital with Pat, they actively want to support the staff to provide personalised care for patients and for them to be more equipped to recognise and address the specific needs that those with dementia can have.
Adam Wainwright, Donor Development Manager for Brighter Futures, features in the film. He said: “I wanted local people to be able to look inside our charity through the medium of video so that they could really understand what we are trying to achieve.
“Pat’s family have shared their 14-year journey through raw emotion, addressing stigmas surrounding dementia and openly talking about their experience to bring people together.
“I hope this film will help raise awareness locally about our Dementia Appeal, encourage people to take on fun and exciting fundraising opportunities and take time to listen to the important words of Pat’s family.”
For most people, being admitted to hospital can be an extremely challenging time, but for dementia patients, who rely on familiarity and routine, the hospital can be an unsettling place.
The appeal has so far raised more than £29,000. These funds will go some way in purchasing dementia-friendly clocks which will aid a sense of orientation to time and place for patients.
Hannah Rogers and Tim Allen are Admiral Nurses working across Great Western Hospital and out in the community. They are specialist dementia nurses who are supported and developed by Dementia UK and provide an extra special level of care to patients with dementia and their families.
Hannah said: “We hope that with the funds raised for this vital appeal, we will be able to purchase not only a number of dementia-friendly clocks, but also resources to enable reminiscence and sensory stimulation.
"We also want to introduce a music therapist, as we know that music and sound can have a really positive impact on patients with cognitive impairment.
“We recently opened our new dementia-friendly room on the Trust’s older persons ward, and I’m excited for the next steps we will take in helping the organisation to be fully supportive and inclusive for all our patients.”
Further information can be found at www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk/support-us/dementia-appeal-mailing-pats-wish/
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