Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust use Memory Suitcases to help patients with dementia

We are very grateful to Sarah Higson, the Patient Experience Lead at Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, for sharing the following idea, currently used on the complex care wards .

She writes......

'Old-fashioned 'Paddington Bear' style suitcases crammed with memorabilia are available for patients with dementia. Sifting through the contents often provides a welcome distraction for many patients and can be a relaxing experience promoting a calmer patient and therefore a calmer environment The cases are full of memory-evoking items such as old money, stamps, kitchen utensils, packaging, photographs, magazines and shells whicn encourage reminiscence and conversations with relatives and staff.

Staff on these wards are having special training to learn how to use the cases to stimulate conversations with patients and to share with carers/visitors.

The cases have been put together in partnership with Suffolk Museums who have been providing similar cases to local care homes for many years.'