Dementia friendly environments

Over the past six years numerous environmental changes have taken place across the hospital. Whilst the changes improve all patients experience they are particularly important for patients who have a delirium (confusion), dementia or a learning disability.

A few examples of these changes are better signage to aid orientation and promote patient independence, a range of activities in the bays for patients to participate in and there are a variety of pictures displayed on the walls.

The bays have been decorated and the bathrooms have been painted with contrasting colours to promote independence. Located in the bays are tables and chairs where patients can eat their meals or undertake activities. Finally, the lighting and flooring has been replaced, aiming to reduce the risk of  patients falling.

Our staff are encouraged to use the forget me not symbol to identify patients with dementia, delirium and confusion.

Forget me not

The Royal Surrey County Hospital has adopted the use of a Forget me not flower for use with patients with dementia, short term memory loss, confusion and delirium.

Where will the symbol be used?

 The Forget me not symbol is magnetic and should be placed:

  • Next to the patient’s name on the multidisciplinary board on the ward
  • On the board next to the patient’s bed

What does the use of the Forget me not symbol mean?

The Forget me not symbol means that:

  • The patient being cared for has dementia, confusion, short term memory loss and or/ delirium
  • Staff should ensure that the patient is not moved to another ward or bay unless absolutely necessary
  • Prior to discharge, the patient should not be sent to the discharge lounge
  • The patient being cared for requires a multidisciplinary team and person/family centred approach to care and discharge planning
  • The individual may need extra assistance/support/time when undertaking daily activities such as, eating, drinking, dressing etc.
  • The patients’ relatives may be appropriate to have/use the carer passport for family members
  • Utilise the patients This is Me, My care passport (you can access the My care passport here). The, This is me, My care passport, promotes holistic, individual, person centred care