The Forget Me Not Appeal's aim is to raise £165,000 to create a dementia friendly environment on the elderly wards at the Lister Hospital, Stevenage.

Every month, the Lister will see 200 patients admitted who also have dementia. It is estimated that 40% of those admitted to hospital over the age of 75 will have dementia. Our aim is to produce an environment which is both comforting and stimulating, helping our dementia patients feel more relaxed and at ease during their hospital stay.

We have already raised an amazing £75,000 to transform the dayrooms on the wards into reminiscence rooms, improve the ward signage and refurbish the WC facilities. This is making an incredible difference to our dementia patients in retaining independence, increasing social interaction and improving mobility and orientation. We are keen to do more!

What do our dementia patients need?

Dementia makes a person's memory deteriorate to such an extent that they can forget how to dress, wash and even eat. Imagine having to go to an unfamiliar place like a hospital and when you rely on familiarity and routine. Imagine how scary a hospital would be for someone with dementia.

We can't eliminate all fear, but there are things we can do to make the hospital experience a little less scary and a little more comfortable. With your support we would like to:

• Fit specialist lighting which replicates daylight during the day and a soft glow at night. This has been proven to ease agitation and encourage rest.
• Install state of the art bedside entertainment systems to ensure patients can listen to music and watch television of their choice, without disturbing other patients. 
• Purchase luxury recliner chairs, enabling partners to stay overnight to reduce distress and panic.

Thank you for your help and support in making the experience of our dementia patients more bearable.