Making hospital a nice place for the elderly
FEEDBACK from elderly patients has helped form a new strategy of car and support for older people when in Leicester’s hospitals.
The work has seen changes at Leicester Royal Infirmary with wards at Glenfield also adopting the scheme.
It is expected the frailty friendly initiative will be implemented entirely across the two sites within the next 18 months.
As well as the feedback the hospital took advice from volunteers, the chaplaincy and organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK.
Key themes surrounded nutrition and hydration, communication, activities and continence.
Justine Allen, patient experience sister, said: “Some exciting work has been happening on the older people’s wards at the LRI and teams have worked hard to progress these areas of care.”
One of the new initiatives is the availability of a personal hearing loop system for patients with impaired hearing. This can also be used as a simple amplifier system if the hearing aid is lost or broken.
To reduce feelings of isolation activity boxes are available to keep patients entertained with crossword puzzles, adult col- ouring books, art supplies, cards and board games. Talking books and other support material is also available to those with sigh loss.
A free newspaper is offered each day, helping patients keep in touch with the outside world and promote a sense of a normal routine and for patients with a reduced appetite a new snack menu has been introduced to provide a variety of finger food throughout the day or night.
Extra projects are also being planned including the redecoration of the day room on ward nine at the LRI and renovation of the overgrown garden area.