24 November 2022

Personalised dementia reminder clocks are being trialled with patients with dementia at Wexham Park Hospital.

The pilot scheme is taking place on elderly care wards 7, 8, 17 and the acute frailty unit to help improve the experience of patients in our care who have dementia. 

Clinical matron Carlito Mejia explained: “The entire care of the elderly team has been involved in planning and preparing for this pilot as the clocks have a number of features that can not only help patients but also the care team looking after them. 

“Each clock can be personalised with family members able to upload family pictures or even a favourite film, but their basic function is to remind a patient not only of the time but what day of the week and month it is and whether it’s morning, afternoon or evening. 

“Being orientated to time can help prevent confusion in patients with dementia.  

“We can also set alarms to remind patients to hydrate or to take their medication. This allows them to remain organised and feel in control of their daily activities. This, in turn, helps them to keep routines on track which can reduce anxiety and agitation.” 

The cost of the trial is being met by the ward charity but our Frimley Health Charity is currently running a major appeal to help all the 3,500 patients with dementia who are treated across our hospitals each year. 

Our aim is that the £850,000 Dementia Appeal will make Wexham Park, Frimley Park and Heatherwood hospitals as dementia-friendly as they can be.