A diagnosis of dementia is life changing for the patient, their family, and friends. But the diagnosis does not mean that life is over, just different. With preparation and understanding you can face the challenges head on.

Forget Me Not Unit is a 16-bed specialist Dementia Care Unit within the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust at Russell’s Hall Hospital. We provide inpatient care in an acute setting to those that are acutely unwell.

The dementia appeal has been set up to raise vital funds to help dementia patients who are receiving treatment on other wards apart from the specialised Forget Me Not Unit.

The appeal has funded many items such as a RITA Device, window decals and sky lights in all patients bays for patients who are bedbound and wall morals to help create a warm home away home look for the department.

Your donations contribute to a range of projects including:

Interactive digital boards – providing stimulation, sensory games, puzzles, reminiscence activities, music therapy and much more.

RITA Devices - These stand for Reminiscence/Rehabilitation & Interactive Therapy Activities. This device is an all-in-one touch screen system offering digital reminiscence therapy.

Activity Program – Ongoing development of an activities program, to support patients during their acute stay.

Pamper sessions - we have lots of pamper products, hair dryers, rollers, nail varnish, hair curlers, shavers, shaving foam, shampoo/conditioner - all to benefit the patients and to calm their behaviors.

Music therapy - currently taking place every Wednesday with the chaplaincy team involving instruments and singing. Donations could enable us to expand this service and introduce innovative new evidence-based techniques.

Patient therapy dog - a volunteer visits the ward every other Wednesday with her therapy dog - to benefit the patients living with dementia.

How is your money spent:

Maintaining meaningful activities adds value and quality to a person’s life, whether they have a diagnosis of dementia or not. If a person is diagnosed with dementia their strengths and abilities will vary a great deal depending on what stage of dementia they are at. By thinking of activities which give the person with dementia meaning and engagement as much as possible, we can make sure these needs continue to be met.

Overall meaningful activity provides the person living with dementia:

• A sense of purpose and routine.

• Acknowledges and uses the skills and life experiences of the person with dementia.

• Emotionally nurturing experiences which increase self-esteem and help the person to feel valued.

• Opportunity for more social time with family.

• Maintain skills and independence, and in some cases improve the person’s ability to perform certain daily activities.

• Opportunity to make decisions and have choice.

By donating:

£10 - Activity/Colouring/Wordsearch books - Not only do they help to reduce stress and anxiety, but they also help to improve cognitive function. They are a great way to keep the mind active and can even help to increase communication and social engagement.

£20 - Doll therapy and accessories - Having a doll or toy animal to focus on throughout their day may ease their feelings of distress and insecurity with being in an unfamiliar environment within the Acute setting. 'Caring' for a doll or soft toy can also give people with dementia a renewed sense of purpose and help them connect with the outside world.

£50 - Digital interactive puzzles and board games - Problem-solving can empower our patients and help them cope with the frustration that comes with memory challenges. Puzzles are great brain exercises. They can improve cognition and potentially delay the progression of dementia symptoms. Different types of puzzles can support our patients’ mental health.

£100 - Music Therapy sound system/equipment - Research shows that people with dementia may have benefits to behaviour and communication as a result of engaging with creative activities. For example, engaging with creativity may have a positive effect on mood and calm agitation.

By contributing to our campaign, you will help us purchase vital pieces of equipment and meaningful activities for our patients to enjoy during their time on the ward.

Every donation, no matter how small, will make a significant impact.