Annan Court on the newspaper

Caring staff try range of tactics.

Taking trips down memory lane is a regular occurrence at Annan Court Care Home. For staff at the care facility have developed numerous areas of stimulation – such as a sweetie shop, potting shed, pub, vintage tea room and quiet area – encouraging residents to recall nostalgic times. But it’s far from living in the past as the team are also embracing new technology with tablet computers, where residents can upload memorable songs that can be played when they need some comfort or relaxation. Home manager Suzanne Ferguson said:’ Years ago we had EMI (elderly mentally infirm) units if you had dementia as you needed specialist care but nowadays so many people have memory impairment of some level and we have the skills to manage it.

‘Some people are very fit with dementia, while others have lost of other medical problems, but we’re lucky we have a very good team that can work with all levels.’ Many of the staff at Annan Court Care Home are undergoing best practice in dementia courses and are keen to develop the structured activities , such as exercise classes, baking and gardening, that they offer. Acknowledging the much more hands-on approach, Suzanne added:’ We’ve had people here from the start that have seen all the changes and people coming in who may have been round other care homes and feel this is how it should be. It’s awareness and taking away the fear factor.’

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