CD Radio Players, Headphones and Digital dementia clocks, Akenside, Newcastle

In 2024, Akenside – one of our inpatient units based at the Campus for Ageing and Vitality in Newcastle, received funding to purchase a range of items including radio players, headphones and digital dementia clocks.

Akenside is a 10 bedded unit providing assessment and treatment for older people with mental health problems arising from functional disorders such as depression, anxiety or psychosis. The team involved in patient care on the ward includes Podiatrists, Occupational therapists, pharmacists, Art Therapists, Psychologists, Speech and Language therapists and social workers.

With the money from the Campus for Ageing and Vitality fund, raised by donors, Akenside have been able to purchase portable CD / Radio players along with headphones to give patients meaningful engagement opportunities through music. Patients can choose to listen to music in communal areas or in the privacy of their own room, with the headphones ensuring that fellow patients will not be disturbed. One of the occupational therapists on the ward stated “by giving patients the chance to listen to a selection of their own music or listen to their favourite radio stations has increased their wellbeing on the ward”.

Akenside were also able to purchase a large digital display clock which benefits patients with visual impairment, MCI or dementia. The clock has been a helpful tool for patients to feel more oriented with everyday life. The clock also provides patients with a chance to prepare for discharge through an easy alarm setting.