Breaking Away from the Mould and Enhancing the Therapeutic Environment for Patients With
Breaking the mould and enhancing the therapeutic environment for patients with dementia
Following two inspiring study days in October 2009 presented by Leslie Benham, and David Sheard, both pioneers of excellence in dementia care,Heddfan staff embarked on a journey to turn in-patient practice on its head.
Heddfan is an assessment unit at Cefn Coed Hospital, incorporating a day hospital for ladies and gentlemen suffering from cognitive impairment.
Picture: Heddfan staff (l-r) Sue Williams, Jill Mcghee and David Eaton with sensory teapots.
Whilst the ward was comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, the staff at Heddfanfelt it did not provide the mentally stimulating and therapeutic environment essential to providing excellence in holistic care for patients suffering from dementia.
Following a great deal of enthusiasm, dedication, and action from ward staff, including fundraising, the ward now boasts areas of interest.
There is the Gower room (pictured left) which is themed around Swansea and the coastline, an indoor sensory garden roomand a cosy café; which the ladies love. Plus, a movies and music wall inspiring conversation, recognition, and a lot of singing and laughter.
The Heddfan team are very proud of what they have achieved and been inspired by the positive changes they recognise in the care they deliver every day.
The areas are stimulating to all senses and greatly enhance the experiences of patients and staff within the ward.
Staff have seen that not only has the ward environment changed, but also care delivery has been improved by the opportunity to engage with patients in these different areas.
The team at Heddfan are continuing to build on the success of the interest areas and are currently on the lookout for any donations which will help with further developing their vision of providing excellence in therapeutic dementia care practice.
(Pictured right: the sensory indoor garden)
At the end of the month, Heddfan staff and patients will be welcoming Leslie Benham to share good practice and to personally thank her for the inspirational conference day which spurred the team on to” break the mould.”
Themes in the process of development are:
- Sports area- any memorabilia e.g. scarves pennants, flags, posters, books, trophies’, rugby ball, football, cricket bat, shin guards, togs, rugby boots etc
- Gower room - Any items of interest depicting Swansea, weparticularly want a model of the mumbles train/or tram, a lobster pot, model boats etc;
- Cork boards to create personal “walls” for each patient in bedroom areas;
- String lights and feature lighting e.g. artificial fish tank, lamps etc;
- Items of interest from around the world.
To learn more about the ongoing work at Heddfan, or if you have any items you would like to donate, please contact Sue Williams, Ward Manager, on