New Dementia friendly areas open in Portlaoise hospital
Pictured in one of the two new designated Dementia friendly areas in Portlaoise Hospital were Smitha Joy, Clinical (Nurse Specialist in Dementia Care, MRHP), Dr Taiwo Popoola (ED Consultant, MRHP), Finola Gill (NMPDU), Tanya McGahey (Occupational Therapist, Frailty Intervention Team, MRHP), Maura Rice (Assistant Director of Nursing, Emergency Department and Paediatrics Services, MRHP), Laura Dunne (Frailty Intervention Team Physiotherapist, MRHP), Fiona Moore (Assistant Director of Nursing, Practice Development Department) and Claire Walsh (Clinical Nurse Manager 3, Emergency Department, MRHP)
TWO new designated Dementia friendly areas have recently been opened in Portlaoise Hospital.
The new five bedded Dementia Friendly Bay in the Emo Court Ward was opened to enhance supports for inpatients living with dementia, while a new Dementia Friendly area was also opened in the Emergency Department.
The new areas include technological support, such as TV streaming system with amplifiers. Radio/music players and headphones to help optimize sensory stimulation, reduce sensory overload and minimise non-cognitive symptoms. Activities boxes, that can be tailored to each individual promote independence, engagement and participation.
The areas also use different colour schemes/contrasting colours to promote wayfinding, minimize confusion and make the environment more person-centred for people with dementia and their families. Orientation clocks have also been introduced to support awareness of time, month, date and day, while blue-coloured handrails are fixed in the Dementia Bay toilet to promote better navigation, safety and independence.
General Manager at the hospital John Joyce said: “In the design of our new Dementia Friendly areas, our focus was on creating an environment that can reduce environmental stress, provide support, and provide more healthful and therapeutic spaces. We considered how we care for the persons living with dementia and aimed to enhance our facility at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise in a more dementia inclusive and age friendly way.” Director of Nursing for the hospital Olivia Lafferty said: “Providing person centred care in a supportive physical and social environment can enhance the experience and well-being of patients with dementia during their acute hospital journey.” The funding of resources for the areas was provided by the Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Unit and Portlaoise Hospital.
