New UHNM Charity-supported therapy assessment kitchen to support elderly patients at UHNM to get home quicker and safer

A new UHNM Charity-supported therapy assessment kitchen is helping more patients to return to their own homes quicker.

UHNM’s team of Occupational Therapists will use the kitchen to complete a number of assessments on patients on the Royal Stoke University Hospital’s Older Adults Wards by asking them to carry out every day tasks such as preparing a drink or snack.

Patients will be assessed on their ability to carry out the task to help better determine when they can go home or to their place of care, and what support they require when there.

Jen Murdoch, Advanced Occupational Therapist at UHNM said: “Assessing patients by asking them to carry out activities like making a cup of tea is a key part of our role. We can look at how they’re doing in terms of their cognition and physical functioning, which will help us to guide their discharge plan and get them the right package of care and make them more confident and safer once at home.

“Prior to these assessments, patients would have been discharged with care packages they may not have actually needed, but having that accurate assessment and information enables our partners in social care to make the right decision about what their care needs actually are.”

The dedicated kitchen, based in the Royal Stoke’s West Building, has been specially equipped thanks to support from UHNM Charity and local community organisations.

Hannah Lewis, Advanced Occupational Therapist said: “We know that people function better in a familiar environment, so we wanted to create a welcoming space where patients can take a break from the clinical setting of the ward environment. This will not only help with their wellbeing but also help tackle deconditioning which can be a problem for elderly patients in hospital.

“For patients with dementia we find a lot of time their strongest memories are their earlier memories, so we’ve sourced items that are locally appropriate, for example pottery that patients may have had in their kitchens in the past, helping them to reminisce and promoting engagement.”

Lee-Ann Boardman, Matron for Older Adults at UHNM said: “It’s fantastic news for patients that we now have a therapy kitchen within the West Building, giving them the opportunity to gain confidence pre-discharge. It’s a lovely area for patients to come to away from the ward environment, and I look forward to hearing the feedback from staff and patients.”

Jen said: “We’re so excited about this new facility, it’s something that will make a huge difference to our patients. Whilst therapy assessment is not a new concept, it’s what our patients need, and will help support them get the best possible care.”