Book Nook starts new chapter for dementia and delirium care

The Common Good Chief Executive Officer Steve Francia and The Prince Charles Hospital Executive Director Tami Photinos enjoy a good read at the Book Nook.

The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) has started an exciting new chapter for dementia and delirium care with the Book Nook, supporting therapeutic reminiscing.

TPCH Internal Medicine Nursing Director Kevin Clark said the Book Nook was modelled from community libraries in the suburbs.

“The Book Nook consists of a small bookshelf filled with books, a sign to draw attention to the space and a couch for patients to sit and relax,” Kevin said.

“It delivers several benefits for patients, including encouraging mobility to help reduce the risk of functional decline.

“It is a wonderful place for patients to sit and reminisce, particularly for our frail elderly patients experiencing dementia and delirium during their admission to TPCH.

“There is a large body of evidence that reminiscence therapy is a strong therapeutic tool when delivering person centred care to an older person.”

Reminisce Therapy supports patients with dementia by using familiar objects and experiences to stimulate past memories and experiences, which bring joy and reduce associated conditions such as loneliness and anxiety.

TPCH staff at the Book Nook launch recently.

The historic photo on the wall showcases the former Chermside Municipal Library on Gympie Road which was open from 1978 to 1987.

The Book Nook library is continually growing, thanks to the generosity of staff and the community.

The Book Nook is the latest non-pharmacological initiative rolled out at TPCH to deliver care and support for dementia and delirium patients.

• Charlies Village is an outdoor simulated streetscape including café, shop and bus stop within the Cognitive Assessment and Management (CAM) Unit. Read more here.
• The Sensory Garden is an outdoor space with plants and textures to provide a calming, purposeful activity and sensory stimulation. Read more here.
• Memory Lane is a hospital corridor with nostalgic photos of Brisbane designed to stimulate memory and encourage mobility in a calm environment. Read more here.

The Book Nook is located on level 1 of the main hospital building. It was supported by The Common Good, an initiative of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.