Coloured walking frames boost mobility
Bright walking frames will appear in hospital wards across Forth Valley, thanks to a new initiative.
The red frames are easier for patients with dementia to see than the traditional grey or silver models - so patients are more likely to use them and regain their independence.
Specialist inpatient physiotherapist at Forth Valley Royal Hospital David MacKenzie developed the idea after a dementia course.
He said: “I was particularly taken by the importance of vision and colour for patients with dementia.
“The hospital environment can be challenging for dementia patients due to lack of contrast between walls, floors and equipment.
“I’d witnessed patients using their table to move around, and realised this was because it was the biggest block of colour in their rooms.
“Evidence has shown that using a coloured tumbler, with patients with cognitive or sensory impairments, increases fluid consumption by 84 per cent and I thought why not have coloured walking frames too?”
David worked with The Friends of FVRH, a charity which raises funds for the hospital, to purchase a small number of frames to carry out a pilot at the hospital. Results showed four out of five patients were significantly more mobile when using the red frames; compliance increased from 18 per cent with grey frames to 61 per cent with red frames.
One patient went from not being able to walk, to being able to move independently with the help of the coloured frame. Now an order has been placed for a further 80 frames.
Dawn Gleeson, NHS Forth Valley’s AHP co-ordinator at FVRH, said: “This is simple but effective way of making it easier for patients with dementia to be more active. This is not only important for their overall health and wellbeing, but also supports greater confidence and independence.”
Information outlining plans for the management of Cambusbarron’s historic Gillies Hill will be on display at the village’s gala day this Saturday.
It follows the recent award of £425,000 from the Scottish Land Fund to Cambusbarron Community Development Trust (CCDT) towards the purchase and management of around 160 acres of woodland on the hill which has links to the Battle of Bannockburn. The plans include a Red Squirrel Trail and all-terrain paths for walkers and mountain bikers.
CCDT trustee Richard Norman described the land as a “fantastic environmental resource” which would be protected for future generations to enjoy. He said of the SLT grant this week: “When we leased a substantial part of the Gillies Hill in 2015 we could only dream of this day. We are most grateful to the Scottish Land Fund for this award which will enable us to proceed with the plan to purchase the woodland. The grant will be augmented by community fundraising, personal donations and other sources to complete the purchase.”
The £425,000 grant, to support the project up to March 2020, covers both capital and operating project costs.
The total price of the 160 acres at Gillies Hill is currently the subject of negotiation with the owner, Drygate Estate Company Ltd, and their agents