Elderflowers

Elderly people with dementia in hospital care are extremely likely to experience a range of related personal needs and issues alongside their medical condition. These include depression, feelings of isolation, difficulties with self-expression, difficult in socialising with others, sensory decline and lack of contact outside their ward. Our programmes offer an intervention that helps to normalise the health care environment for patients. Our practitioners provide contact that is creative and humourous and simply for and about the individual patient.

Hearts&Minds' Elderflowers programme was launched in 2001. It aims to benefit ladies and gentlement aged 60 years and over, who are in hospital care and who are suffering from advanced dementia and other organic conditions including Alzheimer's, Vascular Dementia, Pick's Disease and Huntington's Disease. Referrals include patients in long term care, in assessment care and in respite care.

The Elderflowers practitioners aim to make a connection with the individual participant and through this to offer:

• An outlet for participants' own creativity and humour
• Mental stimulation
• Participation
• Empowerment
• Sociability
• Accessibility
• Access to the performing arts
• Social inclusion
• Well-being through laughter
• Continuity in care

Our vision is to offer access to the Elderflowers programme to all elderly people with dementia in hospital care in Scotland.