Find Memory Care has teamed up with Tees, Esk & Wear Valley NHS to enhance the environment at Acomb Garth in York, a unit for male adults with dementia.
rt of the new hospital, due for completion in 2019, ward manager, Gary Matfin, and advanced nurse practitioner, Darren Hughes, wanted to makes changes to support the people in their care immediately. Following success with its murals in care home settings, Find Memory Care was keen to monitor their impact in a hospital unit. Find Dementia Environment consultant, Karen Clayton, said: “We didn’t have long to wait to see the benefits – a dramatic 79.6% reduction in violence and aggressive behaviour. Both we and the Trust are thrilled.”
She added: “There are mixed feelings on murals’ use in dementia care settings, as some people feel they create false realities – and poor ones certainly can do. However, Find’s designs create recognisable destinations for use in conjunction with furniture and activities, which encourage engagement and social interaction. Find understands that a mural of a café requires appropriately placed seating in front of it, and snacks to be constantly available to create the right atmosphere. Similarly, a music shop must have instruments, old-fashioned records, and sheet music, and a newsagent’s, papers and magazines.”