NEWS FEED
The Bournemouth Hospital Charity (BHC) is asking the public to raise money to provide therapeutic tea parties for dementia patients
RBH dementia nurse specialists, Kelly Lockyer and Kevin Hall, have recently started working with the Bournemouth Concert Brass band to run tea dances for patients living with dementia. The tea dances are part of a drive to raise awareness of dementia and support holistic care at the Trust.
BHC are currently supporting the tea dances, but require further funding to secure them as a regular part of patient care. Kelly Lockyer, dementia nurse specialist said: “We are very grateful to Bournemouth Concert Brass for offering us a discounted rate, but despite this, we simply do not have the funds to book them monthly.
“The tea dances make such a difference to patients living with dementia. Coming into hospital can cause a lot of distress and confusion and the dances not only provide a distraction, but also a great deal of joy.
“With dementia, rhythm is one of the last things to go, so music is a hugely valuable therapy tool and a fantastic way to connect with patients. We have had a wonderful response to the tea dances so far, with instant smiles, clapping, tapping, and singing.”
To find out more or make a donation, phone 01202 704060 or visit the BHC website at www.bournemouthhospitalcharity.org/dementia.
