Developing Ideas - Elena.

Idea 1. Bed-Finding -

Something that can be attached/detached, can be removed/ changed over easily for each patient or moved across bed railing to make room for charts.

Snapbands- snap it onto the bed railing- does not damage or get in the way of charts.

Tactile + Versatile – patients can choose/select what they like= more personal + memorable, can be fun for them too – colourful

Part 2- Not to just have the bands but have it as an attachment device for pictures or illustrations of animals/ fairytales – a subject or something that is recognisable + fun- make it quirky by adding some sort of funny element i.e. a hat, sunglasses, earrings, etc.

The images can be something more memorable for some rather than simply a block colour, and it could get lost with the various colours within the wards, adding to the confusion rather than highlighting where they are situated.

A long term idea has stemmed from this concept – The ward rooms/sections can be designated areas in relation to the selection of animals for the beds- i.e. The Woodlands, Under the Sea, Dessert, etc. This can be not only more stimulating but also the nurses mentioned it was dehumanising and not nice to refer to areas or even patients by their bed numbers – more fun and memorable for everyone = staff + patients.

Idea 2. Way-finding to Day-rooms -

The main issues that I came across during our visit to the Elderly Care ward was how confusing it was for them to direct themselves to the ‘Day-rooms’, where they could have a change of environment. We were told by the nurses that they enjoy walking around + getting some physical activity in during the day rather than simply sitting/ laying in their beds all day.

But due to the changing environment and the movement of various equipment- the patients get quickly confused and lose their way + cannot remember the way back to their area/bed.

Therefore in correlation to the first idea with the snapband or an object that can clasp onto something – this ‘something’ being similar to a washing line/ string/ material that can be attached onto the walls, above the hand rail, leading to dayrooms on the ward - again this washing line can be easily removed or replaced when needed if worn out.

The patients can place the easy clasp/ snapband, in their choice of colour, onto the line whilst travelling/ walking across the ward. Similar to the idea of leaving breadcrumbs, therefore on the journey back they follow their colour back and remove them on the way, with an easy removable clasp- not too difficult to remove + does not cause frustration.

Idea 3. Sensory Mural Wall -

The day room is so overwhelming and instead of being a space where it encourages stimulation or being an entertaining environment- it has instead become uninviting for patients as there is just too much going on.

As the closest day room on the ward for the patients it needs to be fun and motivating, as this is the space they are most likely to be engaging in.

Dedicated space- on a whole wall- Large Space therefore more room for more things/ items for them to engage with.

Things to consider for Sensory Wall:

· Colourful

· Tactile Materials

· Accessible to all

· Things that make sounds or noises- Musical

· Playful/ interactive