It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas for patients with dementia who were treated to a special Christmas party to get them into the festive spirit.
Patients donned their best outfits including bow ties to celebrate with their families, carers and staff from the Unit at University Hospital Llandough.
Guests were spoilt with entertainment from a local choir and brass band made up of students from Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr who performed a range of Christmas songs for everyone to enjoy.
The Christmas events on the unit were organised by Refocussing Nurse, Katherine Martinson, who also arranged for a personalised Christmas stocking to be put together for every patient to open on Christmas Day.
Katherine also organised other festive activities including craft sessions like card making and present wrapping as well as ‘reminiscence therapy’ using old wooden toys to remind the patients of their Christmas memories.
Katherine said “We hold an annual Christmas party every year and this year I wanted to make it the best one yet for our patients and their families. It was fascinating to see the difference the live music made to their behaviours as they were all listening and singing along and sometimes it can be challenging to get some of the patients to hold attention for that long.
“It was lovely to see them all get dressed up and enjoy the occasion and I hope we brought some Christmas cheer to the ward.”
Ben Ford, Ward Manager said “As a team on the Ward we are keen to make the festive period as enjoyable as we can for these patients that will be spending Christmas in hospital. Events and activities will be carrying on over the break and all our patients will get to enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner on Christmas Day, some of who will have family members to join them.
“Katherine has been instrumental in setting up the celebrations this year and by providing a Christmas stocking for everyone it is sure to put a smile on their faces.”
The Health Board also wants to urge people to check on older relatives, neighbours and friends to make sure they are keeping warm, well and are looking after themselves as this time of year can lead to increased loneliness for older people.
Ward East 18 is a Dementia Assessment Ward which was commissioned in October 2012 at University Hospital Llandough as part of the Mental Health Services for Older People. Patients usually come to the ward due to Behavioural Psychological Symptoms of Dementia.
The team is made up of a dedicated nursing and medical team alongside physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychology as well as a specialist SWALLOW team that consists of dieticians and a specialist Speech & Language therapist.
