Jubilee House dementia champions raise awareness while residents plan a party

Home news

May 21, 2012

Our Dementia Champions at Jubilee House  are marking national Dementia Awareness Week (20^th- 26^th May) with a special training programme, while residents get ready to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Dementia Champions are carers who have signed up to the Alzheimer’s Society’s programme to develop in-house leaders to champion good dementia care in their place of work and further improve quality of care and quality of life for people with dementia. 

The home’s two Dementia Champions will be holding sessions throughout the week, to train our 60 staff about the latest research into dementia care and creative ways to keep residents independent and engaged in the activities they love.

Home Manager Gráinne Wokes was delighted at the response to training sessions earlier this year when she, and other trainers, created a negative experience of care for staff to see how important their work is.

Gráinne said: “There is an idea that, in a nursing home, choice is taken away - this is not the case. Every day, my team work with our residents to give them choices in everything they do.

“We are now looking at new, creative ways to help unlock residents’ memories and experiences, so that we really understand their lives and personalities. By doing this, we can further refine each resident’s individual care plan to respect their past, while creating a fulfilling future, filled with worthwhile activities and tailored care.”

The home’s activities coordinators are currently working with residents to create colourful decorations and cakes for their celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on Monday 4^th June.

Gráinne said: “It is a great opportunity to talk to people about their memories of past royal events and you get to know a bit more about a person’s history. The residents have a great affection for the Queen – most of them have grown up with her, experiencing parenthood and being a grandparent and even great-grandparent.

“We are having fish and chips on the day and many of us will be going along to the local parades here in Godalming.  We are also having a high tea with sherry and wine in the afternoon and – knowing my residents and team - it will probably all end up with a dance and a sing-along!”