STAFF at Guy's and St Thomas' in age simulation suit

STAFF at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust are putting themselves in the shoes of elderly people by using an innovative ageing simulation suit that helps them experience life as an older patient. One of only three in use in the NHS, the suit has been specifically developed to reduce movement, hearing and vision, and was worn by staff to help them better understand the challenges elderly patients face every day. Head of nursing for acute medicine, Heidi Jensen, said: "We didn't want to just tell staff how to help patients; we wanted them to experience the difficulties our patients face and come up with their own suggestions for how we can improve care for our older patients. The suit has weighted wristbands and armbands to weigh the wearer down and make their joints stiff; a stiff back support to simulate curvature of the spine due to osteoporosis; ear plugs to make hearing difficult; and goggles to reduce vision. It can also include gloves to reduce sensitivity in the hands, replicating the effects of diabetes brought on by age." The suit was designed by Kent-based clinical simulator manufacturer, Adam, Rouilly.