World Delirium Awareness Day 2019

The Arts and Health program at St John of God Mt Lawley had a special theme in the weeks leading up to the 2019 World Delirium Awareness Day.

11 Mar 2019

11 March 2019

Delirium is a rapid change in brain function, which primarily affects the ability to focus attention. Delirium can fluctuate over the course of a day with periods of lucidity followed by increased confusion.

During the workshop, patients used different mediums to create versions of the forget-me-not-flower, which will be used in patient rooms to signify that a patient has delirium or is cognitively impaired.

Current Ursula Frayne Unit patient, Anne Townsend’s watercolour painting of the flower has been reproduced as stickers that will be distributed hospital-wide to generate awareness to the condition.

Karen Morgan has delivered the cARTwheels art program at St John of God Mount Lawley for 2.5 years and is a familiar face in the Ursula Frayne Unit, Restorative Unit and Specialist Rehabilitation Service.

“It is great to see clinical and allied health caregivers working alongside myself and volunteer artists to deliver holistic care for those with cognitive impairment, she said.

“Throughout the session we focus on colour, mindfulness and process to concentrate on creating something beautiful.

“Using a theme like the Forget-Me-Not flower helps patients to use their fine motor skills and produce something they feel proud of.”

St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital provides services to patients who have cognitive impairment or are at risk of developing delirium through companion caregivers, cARTwheels and the VITAL volunteer program.