NUH News SPRING 2016 Online

3
SpotlightOn
CaseStudy
Playlist
for
life
Anyone who has a relative suffering with Alzheimer’s disease
knows the confusion and distress it brings into people’s lives.
When 84-year-old Bill* was diagnosed
with the disease his family hoped to
be able to look after him at home, but
he became increasingly agitated and
confused and needed full time care in
a nursing home.
At times no one could get through to
him or calm him down – until his wife
and daughter volunteered to take part
in the Playlist for Life scheme when Bill
was admitted to QMC.
Bill’s daughter created a playlist for Bill,
finding music from different points in
Bill’s life.
When she and Bill’s wife approached
him with the headphones they were
concerned that he would not tolerate
them. He had been tearing out his
hearing aids and throwing off his bed
clothes. But when he heard the music
he immediately became calmer and
less agitated.
“This is the calmest we have seen him
in weeks,” his wife said, when Bill
began clicking his fingers to the music.
“He looks like the old Bill.”
After the headphones were removed
Bill said “Nice music” and even spoke
to the occupational therapist about
where she was from. His wife said:
“That’s the first two-way conversation
he’s had in weeks.”
*not his real name
At NUH we have wards dedicated to providing
healthcare for older people and treat many
patients who experience profound agitation and
confusion while they are in our care.
Recently our therapists tested an innovative approach
to treating these patients using personalised music to
trigger memories and make them feel more comfortable.
Research suggests the use of music with people with
dementia aids memory function, increases social
interaction and improves communication.
The Playlist for Life scheme, which was first developed in
Scotland, gives patients access to personalised music on
iPods.
The first ward trial involving 12 patients has delivered
outstanding benefits. NUH Occupational Therapist Rachel
Prescott, who led the project, said: “Playlist for Life is
truly patient-centred and is a simple intervention that
we can offer our patients. We have had many positive
responses from both patients and carers. For the patients
this has not only provided something meaningful for
them to engage in during
their stay with us, it also
offers comfort when they
are disorientated and a
distraction from the noise
and bustle of a busy ward.”
We are now looking to roll
out the project across all our
wards that care for older
people.
Contributed...
£43,000 +
Towards Playlist For Life
Twiddle muffs!
Patients with dementia are being
kept calm on Ward C5 at QMC
thanks to knitted twiddle muffs.
Twiddle muffs are knitted bands with
added buttons, ribbons and fabrics.
They provide a sensory experience to
help comfort and calm patients giving
them something to focus on.
Denise Yates, a Healthcare Assistant on
C5, said: “For patients with dementia
everything around them can be
confusing. The twiddle muff makes such
a difference to the patient experience.
I gave one to a patient and her whole
face changed, she relaxed, she smiled,
she went to sleep cuddling it.”
Patients keep their twiddle muffs so
donations are always welcome to ensure
a constant supply.
If you would like to knit a twiddle muff
or donate knitting materials please get
in touch with the ward on
0115 9249924 ext 69005.