ClwydAlyn highlights support for those living with dementia
This week (15-21 May) is Dementia Action Week and ClwydAlyn Housing Association is highlighting the support it offers.
We talked to Lisa Johnson, Head of Care and Support (previously Care Home Manager at Chirk Court), to find out how ClwydAlyn supports its residents living with dementia; to enable them to live their best life and be as independent as possible.
Lisa worked closely with the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC), at Stirling University, to create a state-of-the-art space designed with the residents needs in mind. This enabled Lisa and the team to produce a space that never loses its homely feel, and offers an environment that will help residents and staff maintain and develop people’s skills and increase their confidence.
Lisa spoke to us about her role and the care and support she and her team provide:
“Phase 1 of the scheme opened in 2016 where households were developed to provide specialist care to those living with dementia. The scheme, which offers provision to 14 people in each dementia specialised household, provides residents with the person-centred care they need. This care also includes the same Senior Practitioner and care staff working within each household; creating an environment that offers a great working relationship that enhances wellbeing, develops trust, and supports people to live as independently as possible.
“In 2021 Chirk Court extended its dementia provision, and now offers additional residential care for those living with care needs and lesser cognitive impairment. The scheme now has 24 residential placements available, enabling those individuals living with care needs and those with developing cognitive needs to move to a home that can support their individual needs as they develop, including dementia and its progression, offering a home for life and for living”.
The dementia specialised households offer end of life care, working to the 6-step palliative care model, whereby people and their families are supported within the home and their normal surroundings. This allows the residents to feel comfortable and safe, rather than in clinical hospital surroundings. Helping alleviate a lot of anxiety and gives reassurance that people’s health and support needs are met at the most critical time.
Lisa added:
“ClwydAlyn’s values are trust, hope and kindness and the team here at Chirk Court live and share these values in everything we do. This supports people living with care needs and dementia to lead meaningful lives, develop great relationships with peers and staff, feel supported and develop a sense of belonging whatever their stage of life and need.
“Life is precious, fragile and fleeting, and we’re committed here at Chirk Court to focus on each individual and help them achieve their own personal goals.”
If you or any of your family are interested in finding out more about a place at Chirk Court please telephone 01691 774286 or visit www.carehome.co.uk which has information, brochure request and enquiry facilities.