MP3 players donated to Weston General Hospital will help support dementia patients, reducing distress and agitation during hospital stays.
The MP3 players were donated by Norms McNamara from the charity Purple Angel Ambassadors. Weston’s Specialist Dementia nurse, Sarah Oakwood, said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Purple Angel Ambassadors who are providing us with the MP3 players preloaded with music. This will enable our patients, who are living with dementia, to have access to some age-appropriate music during what could be a very upsetting and unsettling time for them. Evidence shows that music therapy can support positive outcomes for people living with dementia including reducing anxiety and improving mood, and we are really excited to be able to bring this to our hospital to support our patients further.”
Norms was diagnosed with early-onset Lewy body dementia, and campaigns tirelessly to increase awareness and reduce the stigma, using his personal knowledge and experience of dementia to support others.
Norms said: “Music is one of the only activities that activates, stimulates and uses the entire brain so by providing MP3s players for those with dementia it can do just that, which makes such a difference.”
Tracy Aldridge, Nursing Assistant on Kewstoke Ward said: “It's important to use them with the right patients, and when we do, they are listening to them, enjoying the music and visibly relaxing – others enjoy singing along sometimes with us too!”
Norms experiences of living with dementia mean he is perfectly placed to know what really makes a difference.
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