Putting You First is supporting an innovative Alzheimer Scotland test of change designed to provide high staff ratio and therapeutic activities for people in the later stages of dementia.
The Sensory Programme is the first of its kind in Scotland and is pioneering a new approach to day care for people who no longer benefit from traditional services.
Jenny Henderson from Alzheimer Scotland has been involved with the Sensory Programme from the start. She said: “When people are in the later stages of dementia they may have reduced language skills and we need to look at different ways to care for them. The Sensory Programme will use all the senses including a variety of pictures, smells, sounds, light and therapeutic activities to stimulate communication and appropriate physical and social activity.
“The programme will also provide finger food throughout the day and help with elements of personal care like manicures, shaving, cleaning teeth and washing hair which relatives often find difficult. This is a very personalised programme and it will be tailored to meet the needs and abilities of each person involved.
“As part of this initiative we will also offer support to the Carers of people with late stage dementia. We recognise that caring for someone in this situation can be very difficult so we’ll offer training on the approach to sensory care so they can use the techniques at home. Carers will be receive mindfulness training to help them cope better with stress.
“We are have selected and trained suitably experienced people to carry this test out as we are committed to providing a high ratio of skilled staff and volunteers.”
The first Sensory Support Programme session was held in January and is being delivered between 10.00am and 3.00pm on Thursdays and Sundays at the Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Resource Centre in Dumfries.
Referrals are made through Social Work and the Programme can support a maximum of five people at a time.
Ann Stephenson, Joint Planning and Commissioning Manager said: “This is a very exciting test of change for dementia services. An external evaluation of the service is being carried out by the University of the West of Scotland on behalf of Alzheimer Scotland and I am confident the service will meet the needs of older people in the later stages of dementia and their Carers as well as filling a gap in current service provision.”
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