Dementia ward designs brings the outside in
BRINGING the outside of Guernsey inside was the aim of the artist who helped create a dementia-friendly living environment at one of the Oberlands’ wards.
The Corbiere ward for dementia patients, which moved from the Duchess of Kent House earlier this year, has been redesigned with the theme to bring the outside inside connecting to nature, the landscape of Guernsey and to create the feel of a small village centre similar to Cobo village.
Ward Manager Bridgette Loveridge said they had received positive feedback from residents, staff and visitors on the creation of a dementia friendly and safe homely living environment that had made a difference to everyone’s lives.
‘It’s had a huge impact,’ she said.
‘We don’t know what our dementia patients see, so it’s good to have it as bright and vibrant as possible. I’d say the residents seem a lot more settled, plus the staff feel better for it and the patients’ relatives love it too – it’s had such a knock-on effect.’
Its redesign began around July and has seen a number of improvements to the ward since they took up residence, by developing a village-style environment.
This was achieved by creating conversation points and opportunities for service users, staff and visitors to reminisce around the ward, with shop fronts including the Busy Bee flower shop and the Normandy Laundrette. Plus, a huge Guernsey cow in one of the hallways.
The dining area has been converted into a cafe inspired by the old Maison Carre Cafe in Town and the corridors to the bedrooms are now walkways through the landscape of Guernsey. In addition, an authentic 1950s/1960s living room has also been created.
Local artist Sammy Giovinazzi was commissioned to help the team to make their vision a reality.
‘I love it,’ he said.
‘I’m a graphic designer by trade but have a background in illustration, so it was good to get back to that and create this. I know the difference it makes, so it’s been really rewarding.
‘To be honest though, I’ve never done anything this big before, my main aim was to bring the outside of Guernsey in and now that’s it’s up, I’m glad that comes across.’
The project was funded through donations.
