Cumberland Day Centre
Merton Mind’s services for older people are housed in this purpose built building which was opened in June 1996. The day care service is available to clients with dementia on five days a week including Saturday. Attendance times vary to accommodate individual requirements. Facilities include:
- Transport provided to and from the centre, although carers may wish to use their own transport.
- Lunches cooked in a local family centre and delivered to the centre daily.
- A range of activities are available to clients, organised by care staff and include art, table games, music, darts, gardening, baking, music and movement.
- Reminiscence materials are used regularly to evoke memories and discussion on past life experiences and interests.
- A multisensory room is now available to allow clients to explore a range of materials focussing on using the senses to prompt responses in clients and allows for 'one to one' time with care staff. The room can also be used as a quiet, relaxing space for clients who would rather have some time alone.
- Newspapers are available on most days for clients to read and discussions can be initiated from reading the headlines together.
- The garden is used regularly in the summer months and clients can enjoy some fresh air and a change of scenery when the weather is good.
All clients have a care plan and a ‘person centred care’ approach has been developed to ensure clients receive an individualised service which ensures their comfort and safety whilst providing stimulation and enjoyment within a warm, non-threatening environment. The relationships we establish with relatives of our clients is important and we involve them whenever possible in the care we provide at the centre.
Home Respite Care Service
This service provides carers with the opportunity to take regular breaks from their caring role. Care staff visit the home and spend time with the client whilst the main carer goes out. Meals, drinks may be provided if necessary, medication prompted and assistance with personal care tasks given when necessary. The client and care worker may go out walking, shopping, etc or simply chat at home until the main carer returns. The family will see the same carer on each visit as continuity of care is vital to encourage a positive and trusting relationship which is supportive of the individuals’ needs.
Help for Carers
This project provides counselling and support to carers of clients with dementia. Home visits are provided on a regular basis which fit in with the carer’s busy and demanding life.
Caring for someone you love, whether a partner, parent or sibling is often a physically difficult and emotionally draining task. It is a 24 hour, seven day a week commitment. There is frequently little help or support that they know about. Carers are often of a similar age and not always physically fit and healthy themselves.
Counselling offers time and space to individual carers, where feelings of frustration, distress, and seeming helplessness can be expressed, listened to and accepted.
The project also provides regular groups where carers can meet with others who are experiencing similar, although never exactly the same. Carers say that they value these times and start to feel in touch with the human race again and that it provides them with sanctuary and normality.
Staffing
Care staff are recruited for home and /or day care services and are provided with an induction and on-going learning and training opportunities. The focus is on keeping up to date with current thinking in the field of dementia care, as well as relevant health and safety requirements. All staff attend regular supervision sessions and will receive an annual appraisal to consider development needs and how to utilise particular interests and skills. Care staff are key workers for clients and expected to contribute to the planning and review of clients’ care. Regular meetings are held to bring staff together to discuss how the service is operating and where changes/improvements can be made.
Open House
Clients and carers can come together to this project, held at the day centre, on a weekly basis. Care staff are available to meet client’s needs, allowing time for the carers to ask staff for advice and help with meeting the demands of their situation and develop supportive friendships with others in the same position. Lunches are provided and a programme of interesting activities is organised, often involving trips away from the centre-an opportunity not easily available to carers and clients at other times.
Supper Club
This club meets once a month at the day centre and is another occasion when clients and carers can enjoy a meal together, entertainment and the company of others who live with the effects of dementia.
Volunteer input
Three volunteers visit the centre regularly and have input into the projects involving carers in particular. Their experiences of being carers themselves are valuable in supporting others. They are also involved in committee and fundraising work for the organisation.
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