Elderly Care
Date: October 2016 - ongoing
Group: Elderly patients of St Mary’s & Charing Cross Hospital
Description: I run weekly workshops across a number of wards for Elderly Care, funded through the Imperial Health Charity - an independent charity raising funds for research and projects that help improve patient healthcare.
I use a wide range of materials (e.g. essential oils, tactile items, basic & complex materials) and inspiration (e.g. fine art, nature, culture) to design workshops that stimulate both the mind and the senses, encouraging mobility (i.e. use of hands, eyes, sitting up) and interaction. I work with small groups and on a one-to-one basis and use a personal, empathetic and therapeutic approach.
The patients I work with are often very poorly and some surfer from dementia so I adapt activities to suit the needs of each individual patient I’m working with and make them as accessible as I possibly can.
Feedback: ‘The work you do with the patients in Lewis Lloyd Ward is so positive in a holistic way. Long may it continue.’ - Paras Baldock, Lewis Lloyd Ward
‘Many thanks Rhian, the patient has been busy drawing ever since! Brilliant therapy.’ - Linda Batten, Witherow Ward
‘It has been a pleasure working with you. While I was a Healthcare Assistant I have seen you coming in and the work you did with the patients. It was incredible, and the last workshop we had together was amazing - our patients loved it and of course we love having you around and working with us and the patients makes them so interacted and happy and stimulates them during the day. You guys are always welcome to our ward.’ - Ellie, Albert Ward
‘I spoke with the patient’s sister on Friday and she remarked how much she looks forward to and enjoys the workshops.’...‘It was great to see you again and may I offer you a huge thank you for yesterday’s session and for stepping in at such short notice! It was wonderful to witness our pt engaging so well and how happy it made her.' - Lucy Gilby, Dementia Care Team