New Dementia-Friendly Space Opens at Alfred Bean Hospital

We have opened a new dementia-friendly space at Alfred Bean Hospital in Driffield. ‘Our Space’ has been purposefully designed to provide a welcoming and accessible environment for people living with dementia and those who support them. It was launched by Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust to support independent living, wellbeing and community connection.

The project was developed through ongoing engagement and consultation with people with dementia, whose experiences and insights directly influenced how the space should look, feel and function. The development was supported by Innovations in Dementia, Humber’s Older People’s Mental Health Community Services and Humber Property Management Services.

The room has been created as a practical resource within the hospital where people can learn more about living well with dementia, access information or support and explore aids and adaptations that can help maintain independence at home.

Humber Teaching NHS Foundation’s charity, Health Stars, has supported the project by funding a range of practical aids and adaptations designed to help people living with dementia and their carers live as independently and safely as possible.

Alison Couch Operational Lead for Older Peoples Mental Health Services at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust said, “This will provide a welcoming space that helps all understand what supports day-to-day living with dementia, ‘Our Space’ provides an excellent resource for people living with dementia and their supporters to learn about living well with dementia, explore available aids and adaptations and support community groups working alongside people with dementia”.

Alongside a purposefully designed assessment room this will lead to increased access to dementia-friendly support within the local community. Improved opportunities for people living with dementia and their carers to explore practical aids and adaptations that support independent living, enhanced partnership working between Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, community organisations and dementia support networks. It will provide a dedicated environment for education, peer support and community engagement, offering people with dementia and their supporters an opportunity to gain confidence and promote independent living for their loved ones.