Memory Corridor Proposed for Caboolture Hospital and The Prince Charles Hospital  
Hospital Care

Memory Corridor Proposed for Caboolture Hospital and The Prince Charles Hospital  

When we are sick, it can be difficult to get out of bed and keep moving, and as we age, we naturally lose muscle mass and strength. For these reasons, older patients in hospital are at far greater risk of functional decline.

New memory corridors proposed for both The Prince Charles Hospital and Caboolture Hospital would encourage mobility and connection for older patients.

The corridors, titled ‘A Walk Down Memory Lane’, are just one of a few projects The Common Good is raising money for this Giving Day (part of the Season of Giving) to help older patients get home from hospital sooner.

“As we get older, we lose muscle very quickly when we become stationary. So, lying in bed just for a few days, older people can lose a lot of muscle – and that muscle is very important for walking and independence,” said Dr. Lucy Dakin, the Director of Geriatrics and Subacute Services at The Prince Charles Hospital.

“We know that older people who are lying in bed often can’t regain their independence and face a lot of obstacles to their recovery,” Dr Dakin added. “Giving them motivation and a reason to get out of bed helps them to improve that independence, so anything that we can do in the hospital environment to contribute to that is really valuable.”

Proposed Memory Corridors and their Benefits

This memory corridor idea was inspired by hospital walkways around the world, which include memorabilia and imagery from sporting games, theatre performances, hobbies, daily life, and more.

The proposed memory corridors at The Prince Charles Hospital and Caboolture Hospital, would be designed with local patients and their memories in mind.

“Old pictures of King Charles, old pictures of Brisbane that will stimulate their memory but that will also get them walking and stimulate their mobility as well,” said Jeff Rowland, Director of Internal Medicine, at The Prince Charles Hospital.

Jeff Rowland says the two main benefits of the memory corridors would be:

  1. To ignite patient memories and to make them feel more comfortable
  2. Encourage people to mobilise by giving them a task to complete and a destination to go to

These corridors would also provide a place where families could take a stroll together and catch up outside of a shared bedroom or noisy ward environment.

Supporting the Memory Corridor Projects

Would you like to contribute to making ‘A Walk Down Memory Lane’ a reality at both The Prince Charles Hospital and Caboolture Hospital?

Find out more or donate here.

“If it was your mum or dad who was lying in bed and not able to get up, what would you want to see done for them?” Dr Dakin asks. “I’m sure that you’d want to see an environment where they’re helped and motivated to get out of bed, to get their independence back, and to get home.”

Published: November 25, 2022

Related news & events

Grandfriends Ageless Play Program in Brisbane Expands

Aging

Grandfriends Ageless Play Program in Brisbane Expands

Grandfriends ageless play program in Brisbane expands thanks to support generated at The Common Good's 2022 Giving Day.

Find out more

Dementia Action Week 2023: ‘Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future’

Aging

Dementia Action Week 2023: ‘Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future’

Dementia Action Week 2023 runs from the 18th to the 24th of September: Dementia Australia is encouraging people to ‘act now for a dementia-friendly future’.

Find out more

Healing Ceilings Installed at Brisbane’s The Prince Charles Hospital

Hospital Care

Healing Ceilings Installed at Brisbane’s The Prince Charles Hospital

Some of the sickest patients in The Prince Charles Hospital’s thoracic ward can now look up and let their minds wander into nature, following the installation of Healing Ceilings.

Find out more

Include a Charity Week 2023: The Impact of Leaving a Gift in Will

The Common Good

Include a Charity Week 2023: The Impact of Leaving a Gift in Will

Have you heard of Include a Charity Week? Click here to read about the social change campaign and how you can have a lasting impact.

Find out more

What is Lung Disease?

Lung Disease

What is Lung Disease?

In this blog, we explain what lung disease is, discuss different types of lung disease and shed some light on common misconceptions.

Find out more

Ekka Strawberry Sundae Sales Records Tumble in 2023

The Common Good

Ekka Strawberry Sundae Sales Records Tumble in 2023

Ekka Strawberry Sundae Sales 2023: Sunny skies, soaring temps and support from showgoers all combined to create record-breaking sales.

Find out more

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): What is it?

Lung Disease

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): What is it?

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is “a disease that afflicts many people at random.” Learn more about it in this blog.

Find out more

Bill Van Nierop: Life After Transplant

Lung Disease

Bill Van Nierop: Life After Transplant

Bill Van Nierop is incredibly grateful for the life-saving transplant he received. In this blog, we share more about Bill’s life and challenges he’s experienced after transplant.

Find out more

About the Strawberries at the Heart of the Iconic Strawberry Sundae

The Common Good

About the Strawberries at the Heart of the Iconic Strawberry Sundae

Sourcing the strawberries: In this blog, we’d like to introduce you to a few who ensure your Strawberry Sundaes contains fresh, delicious and juicy berries.

Find out more