Our dementia appeal was launched with a vision to roll out comprehensive dementia care initiatives that would transform patient experiences across multiple hospital sites through thoughtfully designed environments and innovative therapeutic approaches.

These initiatives have begun to be implemented over the past three years, focusing on creating familiar and calming spaces that support both patients and their families during challenging times.

Firstly, in 2023, our therapeutic garden, The Olive Garden, was established. It serves three wards and has become a truly valued space for patients, families, and staff. This low-maintenance, safe environment provides a tranquil setting where families can spend quality time together away from the clinical atmosphere of hospital corridors. The calming outdoor space naturally stimulates appetite and thirst, supporting patients’ overall recovery and treatment goals.

Additionally, our innovative Green Door project, launched in 2023, addresses a critical navigation challenge for individuals with dementia. We have installed 50 specially coloured toilet doors across Frimley Park Hospital and Wexham Park Hospital, with further installations planned.

This in-house research and development project emerged from understanding that patients with dementia often struggle to distinguish doors from walls due to similar floor colours and door finishes. Our carefully selected green colour remains visible 24/7, helping patients both locate the toilet from outside and find their way back out—a simple yet transformative solution.

Following the installation of green doors, Ward 17 and Ward 18 at WPH underwent comprehensive revamps in 2023-2024, designed to create a more homelike atmosphere that provides a positive distraction from clinical surroundings. These redesigned spaces help reduce anxiety and disorientation commonly experienced by dementia patients in hospital settings.

Our latest initiative involves installing mirrors and personalised artwork in 20 rooms at Heathlands in Bracknell to help patients with identity recognition and spatial awareness. These visual cues provide familiar reference points that can reduce confusion and support cognitive function.

Supporting these physical improvements, we have championed:

Music therapy throughout our wards for three years, building extensive case study documentation with our current music therapist, Nick, and previously with Izzy. This program leverages the well-documented power of music to connect with patients when other forms of communication become challenging, often evoking positive memories and emotional responses.

Interactive Technology that simulates equipment brings engaging, portable entertainment directly to patients. These interactive machines store over 100 games that can be projected onto tables, floors, or beside beds. From jigsaws and puzzles to table football, these activities encourage socialisation, physical movement, cognitive stimulation, and emotional regulation. The Mobii Interactive Sensory Tables provide versatile therapeutic options that adapt to each patient’s needs and abilities.

Dementia-Friendly Clocks have been successfully installed in over 300 specialised dementia clocks across both acute hospital sites. These clocks display clear, easy-to-read time and date information, helping patients maintain temporal orientation throughout their stay.

Staff Training Excellence in our comprehensive training program includes the innovative Dementia Tour Bus—a mobile simulation experience that allows healthcare staff to understand life with dementia from the patient’s perspective. This immersive training, provided by Virtual Dementia Tour Mobile – Training 2 Care UK Ltd, significantly enhances staff empathy and treatment approaches.

Future Developments we have planned include:

• Emergency Department Enhancement: We are creating a dedicated cubicle at FPH featuring calming artwork and clear signage to reduce anxiety in what can be a frightening environment for dementia patients. Visual cues will help patients understand their location and feel more secure.
• Outdoor Therapeutic Spaces: Mid-September will see the launch of F14 ward’s secure outdoor access at FPH, complete with sturdy garden seating designed with safety features and armrests for patient comfort and security. These dedicated outdoor spaces provide safe opportunities for fresh air and natural light therapy.
• Impact and Vision: These initiatives represent a fundamental shift toward person-centred dementia care that recognises the importance of environment in healing and wellbeing. By addressing both the practical challenges and emotional needs of dementia patients, we create spaces where dignity is preserved, families can connect meaningfully, and recovery is supported through thoughtful design and innovative programming.

Our continued commitment to researching, developing, and implementing dementia-friendly solutions ensures that every patient receives care in an environment designed to support their unique needs and maintain their connection to the world around them.