8 A dementia clinical nurse specialist at BH has joined forces with volunteers and staff to help get patients out of their beds, moving more and to bring more fun to the wards. Doris Ajayi runs the weekly ‘Tea with Doris’ at the hospital, which aims to get patients moving, singing, and chatting – all of which help keep them healthy. It is common for patients with dementia to deteriorate further once they come into hospital. They can also face challenges such as an increased likelihood of discharge to care homes, prescription of anti-psychotic drugs, difficulty adapting to the change in their environment, increased risk of delirium and increased fragility. Doris said the main aim of the programme, which happens every Thursday on Larch and Juniper wards and Fridays in Rainbow ward, is to help bring fun to patients and settle them into an unfamiliar environment. “Tea with Doris is designed to bring fun and to alleviate any anxieties and distress that patients with dementia may experience,” she said. “All multi-disciplinary team members take 60 seconds off to join the session, which includes music, singing, dancing, chatting and much more. This has a significant benefit for patients with dementia, as it helps to stimulate brain functions. “It connects people together, evokes positive memories and emotions, reduces boredom, agitation, aggression, restlessness and provides a calming effect afterwards. The session also increases social interaction between patients and staff, reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness, and improves the overall mood of everyone involved. “If we get care right for patients with dementia, we can get it right for everyone.” Volunteers from the Royal Free Charity also help with running the activities and get involved with serving tea and treats to patients, as well as singing and dancing. Sue Young is one of the volunteers who takes part in Tea with Doris. “You meet the most amazing people doing this,” she said. “Talking to someone with dementia and gradually getting to know them – you really get to hear these amazing stories about their lives. “Patients who are maybe a bit quiet can suddenly start singing words of songs they knew from years or decades ago and they brighten up. It’s so rewarding.” Doris has also provided some tips and advice for caring for patients with dementia. See opposite and visit the dementia Freenet page for more details. How tea and tunes spark joy in dementia patients If we get care right for patients with dementia, we can get it right for everyone “ “ Doris and Sue during Tea with Doris Dementia CNS Doris Ajayi, who runs the weekly activity Ageing well
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