Staff from four Aberdeen care homes came together to share how they care for people with dementia at an outdoor summit in Duthie Park yesterday.
The collaborative project between Renaissance Care, which runs Torry Care Home and Persley Castle, and Four Seasons, the operator of Caring Homes’ Hawkhill House and Laurels Lodge, was the first of its kind in the north-east.
Managers from each home delivered presentations about initiatives which have proven effective or successful for elderly residents.
Those include Hawhill House’s use of lightbox therapy for Alzheimer’s patients and the Sensory Garden at Torry Care Home.
Four Seasons staff also gave insight into the firm’s dementia care framework, which is a is a specialist approach developed to enhance the experience and care of those with the condition.
Around 40 elderly attendees were joined by representatives from the industry bodies, with a working group now looking to implement what was learned at other homes.
Renaissance Care operations director Yvonne Mackenzie said: “This was a tremendous event. Collaboration around specialist care for dementia is extremely effective, creating initiatives which significantly enhance the lives of people affected by the condition.
“Across Renaissance Care we’re continually looking to innovate and learn around the way we care for residents.”
Manager of Hawkhill House Mel Shearer said: “It is amazing to see that we have overcome the barriers to promoting collaboratively in care home sectors and be equal participants to communicate, share what works and share our best practice for after all, we have a common goal and that is to promote innovation in dementia care.”
