Balhousie Care Home shortlisted for Scottish Dementia Award

Published

29th June 2017

Balhousie Clement Park Care Home has been shortlisted in the ‘Best Innovation in Continuing Care' category at this year's prestigious Scottish Dementia Awards.

The Dundee care home has been recognised for their innovation in creating an ‘Indoor Dementia Garden' for residents. The multi-sensory indoor experience has been designed for those who are unable to access the garden within the home and for use during colder months to improve communication, inclusion and sensory experiences.

The concept for the garden was first initiated late last year when Clement Park's two dementia ambassadors looked at utilising empty areas within the home in a way that was unique from the other spaces and improved the overall environment for the residents. They began raising money to help fund the project by holding bake sales and raffles.

The ‘Indoor Dementia Garden' was completed in January 2017. There is a selection of essential oils to give the smell of outdoors and gardens and the music player plays out bird music to add to the illusion of being outside. Small items placed on the walls, such as birds and butterflies, help give residents something to focus on and with the introduction of more seating, more residents can enjoy the area whilst also socialising with each other.

Yvonne Manson, dementia consultant at Balhousie Care Group commented:

"There has been a huge effort by the team at Clement Park to look for new and innovative ways to continuing to deliver personalised care to residents in a personalised environment. Everybody worked together to create a wonderful space for everybody to enjoy, with residents helping chose the colours scheme, wallpaper and decorations.

Yvonne continued:

"I'm delighted that their efforts have been recognised by this shortlisting and, with over 80 entries to the award scheme, everybody at Clement Park should be incredibly proud of this fantastic achievement."

Margaret Stephen, home manager at Balhousie Clement Park Care Home, added:

"Th indoor dementia garden has provided such a positive contribution to the home, ensuring that residents who may be limited by their mobility can still retain some independence when it comes to enjoying an outdoor setting. This was a real team effort, with staff, residents and families all working together to help create a vision for the garden. I'm delighted by the shortlisting, it shows just how much the team here work together to go above and beyond within the home."

Other personalisation initiatives at Clement Park include a library area, a bird watching area and a focus on personalisation within the residents' bedrooms.

Henry Simmons, Chief Executive, at Alzheimer Scotland, said:

"Scotland's Dementia Awards celebrate the work of both professionals and community groups who are committed to helping people with dementia and their families. All of our finalists this year are extremely deserving for their commitment in supporting people living with dementia and their families and we look forward to saying a big thank you to all our finalists and winners on the day."

Scotland's Dementia Awards, a partnership between Alzheimer Scotland, NHS Education for Scotland, NHS Health Scotland and the Scottish Social Services Council, now in its 6th year, sets out to celebrate and recognise projects and the people behind them who are going the extra mile to support people living with dementia and their families across Scotland. The awards ceremony will take place on World Alzheimer's Day, 21stSeptember 2017, at The Marriot, Glasgow.

To find out more about Balhousie Care Group, visitwww.balhousiecare.co.uk

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