iPERSONALLY
DEMENTIA CARE SERVICE
PRESS RELEASE
May 10, 2010.
NEVER-BEFORE-COMBINED DEMENTIA CARE FACILITIES GIVE BIRCH ABBEY “A TEN”.
The chief executive of the UK’s most advanced new dementia care facility, the iPersonally Memory Centre at Birch Abbey, Southport, says he believes clients and their families will give the facility ten out of ten.
Dan Lingard, who has driven through the £5 million expansion of Birch Abbey in Alexandra Road Southport , says there’s at least ten features and facilities never combined anywhere else in the dementia care sector – underpinned by a unique approach and attitude – plus the introduction of a day care service.
“From the start we designed-in features and facilities – both big and small – that will make a tremendous difference to the lives and lifestyles of our community at Birch Abbey,” said Dan Lingard.
“Key is recognising what is important TO our clients and their families, as well as what is important FOR our clients. That’s a subtle difference, but extremely important.
“Crucial amongst issues important for our clients and the basic facilities such as hygiene, health, diet, comfort and security – but what’s important TO our clients are the things that make them feel comfortable and relaxed, as well as the all-important opportunities to provide physical and mental exercise and stimulation.
“Our motto is ‘things to do, places to go, people to see’ – and that sums up a key element of delaying the onset of dementia. If mind and body are kept active, then the onset may be slowed.
“In terms of the advanced facilities and features, we have five garden areas and eight recreational rooms and bistros.
Amongst others, “things to do” include a dance studio, “places to go” include a a pub and bistro, and “people to see” revolves around a whole series of movements and interaction between clients and families, including a unique home-style family kitchen and dining room which can be reserved for family events and occasions.
Other facilities include three types of assisted bathrooms, in-room technology and sensors meaning clients don’t have to be disturbed while they’re asleep, bedrooms which can be configured in a number of formats depending upon the needs and mobility of the individual.
“We also have a training and education facility and a technology suite which enables us to train and develop carers, care professionals and families to assist both in Birch Abbey and at home,” said Dan.
“Our new and expanded Birch Abbey is a revolution in care services. To us it just felt right that Southport with its long tradition as a caring community should lead this revolution and the birth of a new era in care.
“Birch Abbey currently has accommodation for 18 clients, but without having to close our doors, we are completely rebuilding so that we will be able to accommodate 60 clients, and rather than simply gearing it to provide basic food, hygiene and life care for clients, we have designed-in - from scratch - technology, accommodation, entertainment, social interaction and a broad range of care services and features that have never been seen together under one roof in the care industry.
“But, crucially, this is not just about a building – it is about an attitude to dementia care, service and support.”
At the heart of iPersonally is the belief that technology must be better harnessed to support people with dementia, their carers and wider support network.
Dan Lingard is a former software developer working with IBM and the BBC. He says much-misunderstood dementia needs to be fought, and people with the condition, and their family and friends, supported and inspired rather than simply have their basic needs attended to.
Ends
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