THE Countess of Chester Hospital is continuing its efforts to care for patients with dementia by backing a national campaign.

Dementia Awareness Month, launched at the hospital on October 1, aims to raise awareness of the condition.

As part of the launch patients, visitors and staff were asked to buy a ‘Remember the Person’ balloon message.

The messages were written by or for anyone who has lived with dementia.

Coloured balloons were then displayed outside the hospital with the messages attached.

Proceeds from the balloon sales will go toward improving the day room facilities on the care of the elderly wards within the hospital.

The Countess already works closely with the Alzheimer’s Society in Chester and hosts an information stand on Wednesdays from 2-3pm throughout the year at the main entrance, hosted by Alzheimer’s Society staff and volunteers.

The information stand will be present throughout October as usual but with additional information for the benefit of staff as well as patients and visitors.

One in three people over the age of 65 will develop dementia, and health and social care professionals have a key role to play in helping improve people with dementia’s quality of life.

In addition, about a quarter of all hospital beds are occupied with patients who have dementia, most of whom are over 65.

Sian Williams, head of nursing at the Countess, said: “We all need to be more aware of what we can do to help patients with dementia, not least because they often feel vulnerable and in need of extra reassurance and support.”

Other work conducted by the trust for dementia patients includes activity afternoons which are carried out on Ward 34 for any patients in the trust with dementia.

The housekeepers on the wards have been vital in sustaining this every Wednesday.

Stephen Worrall, ward manager for Ward 34, has found these activities invaluable in helping patients with dementia and aiding their recovery.

He said: “On the latest events afternoon a sing-along music session was arranged which was greatly enjoyed by all who attended.

“I witnessed a gentleman who is suffering in the end stages of dementia with anxiety and delirium, singing and performing to a delighted audience. For those three minutes he could have been 18 again.”

For information on dementia, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk.