Useful websites and digital resources

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From managing symptoms to maintaining a sense of normalcy, finding resources and tools to navigate life for service users and their loved ones is invaluable. Fortunately, the digital age offers a plethora of solutions, from therapeutic music playlists to assistive gadgets. In this curated list, we’ll explore a variety of websites and apps designed to support individuals and their caregivers. Whether you seek calming melodies or practical aids, these resources aim to enhance quality of life and foster a sense of connection and empowerment.

You might also wish to take a look at these Everyday Aids for People with Dementia.

Playlistforlife.org.uk

Sometimes, the overwhelming weight of anxiety and agitation can overshadow daily life. Playlist for Life offers a remedy in the form of personalised music playlists. By compiling your favourite or most meaningful songs, you can tap into the therapeutic power of music, elevating your mood without the need for medication. Best of all, this service is free, making it accessible to all.

See also: How to make a playlist for life

Lothiansound.org.uk

Stay connected to your local community with Lothian Sound‘s weekly audio recordings of news and events. For individuals living with dementia, maintaining a sense of belonging and awareness of what’s happening in their surroundings can be crucial. These recordings provide a convenient way to stay informed and engaged.

Mindmate-app.com

Keeping both mind and body active is essential for overall well-being, especially for those affected by dementia. MindMate offers a daily dose of recommended activities designed to stimulate cognition and promote physical health. With a user-friendly interface, this app makes it easy to incorporate these activities into daily routines.

Myhomehelper.co.uk

Simplify daily tasks with My Home Helper, a user-friendly computer or tablet interface that can be controlled remotely. Whether it’s setting reminders, managing schedules, or staying connected with loved ones, this tool is designed to enhance independence and autonomy for individuals living with dementia.

Livingmadeeasy.org.uk

Explore a vast array of gadgets and aids to assist with almost any daily activity on Living Made Easy. From kitchen utensils to mobility aids, this comprehensive resource aims to make daily life more manageable for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

Alzproducts.co.uk

For specialised dementia aids and products, AlzProducts is a trusted supplier. From sensory stimulation tools to safety equipment, their range of products is tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals living with dementia, providing practical solutions for everyday challenges.

Vrc.alzscot.org

Join online group meetings, activities, and information sessions from the comfort of your own home with Alzheimer Scotland’s Virtual Resource Centre. This virtual community offers opportunities for social interaction and support, fostering connections and reducing feelings of isolation.

Alzscot.orcha.co.uk

Access a curated digital health library on Alzscot’s ORCHA platform, where only professionally approved health apps are recommended and available. From memory aids to relaxation techniques, these apps offer additional support and resources for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

Dementia Training April 2024

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Caroline from Social Care Alba recently led an insightful dementia training session for our dedicated caregivers. Now equipped with essential skills and knowledge, they are better prepared to provide personalised and compassionate care to individuals living with dementia.

Understanding symptoms and effective communication techniques are key to enhancing the well-being of those in our care. With Caroline’s guidance, we’re ensuring a higher standard of support and improving the quality of life for our dementia patients.

Dementia training at Social Care Alba
Dementia Training session
Dementia Training with Caroline

Related links:

Upcoming Local Dementia-Friendly Activities May 2024 

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Discover a vibrant array of dementia-friendly activities awaiting you this May in our local community. From engaging workshops to enriching social gatherings, we’ve collected opportunities designed to foster connection, support, and joy for individuals living with dementia and their loved ones.

DateTimeEventLocationPhone
May 1st12pm – 2pmLiddell Lunch LionsEric Liddell Centre0131 357 1277
May 2nd4pm – 5pmForget Me Notes ChoirGorgie07588 894587
May 3rd11am – 12 noonLiddell LyricsEric Liddell Centre0131 357 1277
May 6th1.30pm – 3pmBig HeartsTynecastle Stadium07443 269947
May 6th4pmForget Me Notes ChoirOnline07588894587
May 6th2pm – 4pmGentle Exercise ClassCluny Hall07834 364628
May 7th1.30pm – 3pmBig HeartsTynecastle Stadium07443 269947
May 7th11am – 1pmHeart for ArtMorningside Parish Church07834 364628
May 7th1.30pm – 2.30pmEric’s Encore Music GroupEric Liddell Centre0131 357 1277
May 7th10.30am – 12.30pmCanalside GroupFountainbridge07706 580147
May 7th1.30pm – 2.30pmHappy HarmoniesEric Liddell Centre0131 357 1277
May 8th4.30pm – 5.30pmChair YogaOnline0131 315 2151
May 8th12pm – 2pmLiddell Lunch LionsEric Liddell Centre0131 357 1277
May 9th10amCanal Walking GroupFountainbridge07706 580147
May 10th11am – 12 noonLiddell LyricsEric Liddell Centre0131 357 1277
May 10th10.30amCameo CinemaCameo02072 947908
May 13th1.30pm – 3pmBig HeartsTynecastle Stadium07443 269947
May 13th4pmForget Me Notes ChoirOnline07588 894587
May 13th2pm – 4pmMusic & MemoriesCluny Hall07834 364628
May 14th1.30pm – 3pmBig HeartsTynecastle Stadium07443 269947
May 14th11am – 1pmHeart for ArtMorningside Parish Church07834 364628
May 14th10.30am – 12.30pmCanalside GroupFountainbridge07706 580147
May 15th1.45pm – 2.45pmChoir in the ParkSaughton Park07588 894587
May 15th12pm – 2pmLiddell Lunch LionsEric Liddell Centre0131 357 1277
May 16th10amCanal Walking GroupFountainbridge07706 580147
May 16th4pm – 5pmForget Me Notes ChoirGorgie07588 894587
May 17th11am – 12 noonLiddell LyricsEric Liddell Centre0131 357 1277
May 20th1.30pm – 3pmBig HeartsTynecastle Stadium07443 269947
May 20th4pmForget Me Notes ChoirOnline07588 894587
May 20th2pm – 4pmGentle Exercise ClassCluny Hall07834 364628
May 21st1.30pm – 3pmBig HeartsTynecastle Stadium07443 269947
May 21st11am – 1pmHeart for ArtMorningside Parish Church07834 364628
May 21st1.30pm – 2.30pmEric’s Encore Music GroupEric Liddell Centre0131 357 1277
May 21st10.30am – 12.30pmCanalside GroupFountainbridge07706 580147
May 21st1.30pm – 2.30pmHappy HarmoniesEric Liddell Centre0131 357 1277
May 22nd2pm – 3.30pmSunflower CaféPalmerston Place Church0131 220 1690
May 22nd4.30pm – 5.30pmChair YogaOnline0131 315 2151
May 22nd12pm – 2pmLiddell Lunch LionsEric Liddell Centre0131 357 1277
May 23rd10amCanal Walking GroupFountainbridge07706 580147
May 24th11am – 12 noonLiddell LyricsEric Liddell Centre0131 357 1277
May 24th10.30am – 12pmGallery SocialNational Gallery0131 624 6410
May 27th1.30pm – 3pmBig HeartsTynecastle Stadium07443 269947
May 27th4pmForget Me Notes ChoirOnline07588 894587
May 27th11am – 12.30pmTea and JamFestival Theatre0131 529 6000
May 28th1.30pm – 3pmBig HeartsTynecastle Stadium07443 269947
May 28th11am – 1pmHeart for ArtMorningside Parish Church07834 364628
May 28th10.30am – 12.30pmCanalside GroupFountainbridge07706 580147
May 29th4.30pm – 5.30pmChair YogaOnline0131 315 2151
May 29th2pm – 3.30pmA Brew and BletherFestival Theatre0131 529 6000
May 29th12pm – 2pmLiddell Lunch LionsEric Liddell Centre0131 357 1277
May 30th10amCanal Walking GroupFountainbridge07706 580147
May 31st11am – 12 noonLiddell LyricsEric Liddell Centre0131 357 1277
May 31st2pm – 4pmMusic & MemoriesCluny Hall07834 364628

Revised SSSC Codes of Practice launch on 1 May 2024

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The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers set out the behaviours and values expected of social service workers and their employers. These Codes have now been revised and the updated version will come into effect on 1 May. You can read a text version of the revised Codes here.

What will be different in the revised Codes?

The SSSC have been careful to only make changes where necessary and remove duplication:

Updated wording and a more positive, empowering tone

Refreshed some of the wording which felt outdated. For example, changing ‘people who use services’ to ‘individuals’. Thinking about tone as well as wording. The revised Codes aim to take a more empowering tone and use positive language.

Kindness and compassion

The revised Codes make clearer links to the Health and Social Care Standards, support the commitment to The Promise and more strongly reflect the importance of kindness, compassion and involvement in decision making.

Greater focus on relationships, trauma and risk enablement

The revised Codes reflect the importance of positive relationships as well as maintaining appropriate boundaries. A new Code has been added on working in a way that is informed by an understanding of the impact of trauma.

Team Leader Meeting

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The Team Leaders at Social Care Alba recently gathered to discuss and address the various challenges faced by staff and service users.

Following comprehensive supervision sessions and performance reviews of all staff members, the meeting provided a platform to address issues and strengthen our commitment to quality care.

Training: Stress and Distress

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Our care team just completed a training session on Stress and Distress. We discussed challenging behaviour, how to identify and manage it, and learned about addressing unmet needs. With practical examples and prevention strategies in hand, we’re committed to providing excellent care for our service users.

New digital clocks at Social Care Alba

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For those like me who need a gentle reminder from time to time, we are introducing our new digital clocks, designed with care for those who appreciate a little extra assistance in managing daily routines. Whether you’re managing dementia or simply prefer a small nudge now and then, our clocks offer more than just the time of day.

Equipped with features tailored to support daily life, these clocks display the current time, day, and date in clear digits. They can also send reminders for important tasks such as medication schedules, staying hydrated with a drink or snack, or even noting upcoming appointments or visits.

One heartwarming feature is their ability to double as a digital photo frame, displaying cherished memories right on the screen. Designed to be user-friendly, our clocks minimise frustration and confusion, allowing you to easily tailor settings to your preferences.

We understand the importance of maintaining independence and dignity while managing the challenges that come with memory loss or cognitive decline. That’s why our clocks are designed to be intuitive, promoting autonomy and well-being.

We’re excited to offer these clocks as a tool to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families facing dementia or similar conditions. Our goal is to provide practical support that promotes autonomy and well-being, allowing you to focus on what matters most. We welcome your feedback and suggestions as we continue to refine and improve our products to better serve you and your loved ones.

Continence Promotion Workshop

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Our new care staff recently completed a Continence Promotion Workshop and are now equipped with valuable skills to enhance the quality of care we provide.

Foodie Friday Training

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Our staff knows how to mix business with pleasure! At our recent medication workshop our team not only delved into crucial learning but also savoured some delicious pizza and biscuits 🍕🍪

Learning never tasted so good!

Winter Warmth Delivered: Embracing Comfort and Safety

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As the crisp bite of winter air settles in and the city is enveloped in a shroud of bad weather, we at Social Care Alba are on a mission to ensure that our carers stay safe, warm, and comfortable throughout the colder months. We are doing this through delightful treats, engaging events, and thoughtful presents designed to make the winter experience more enjoyable.

Mobile Power on the Go: Battery Packs to the Rescue

In a world where staying connected is paramount, the dark winter nights and the constant need to keep in touch can quickly drain your mobile battery. Fear not, for we have the perfect solution. In the upcoming month, we are excited to deliver battery packs that can recharge your mobile devices multiple times. Stay charged, stay connected, and let the winter worries melt away.

Embrace the Warmth: Thermos Flasks for Every Sip

There’s nothing quite like a hot drink to ward off the winter chill. Whether it’s a steaming cup of tea, a robust coffee, or a comforting bowl of soup, our thermos flasks are here to keep your beverages warm no matter where you are. With two sizes available — 500ml and 1 litre — there’s an option for every need. Say goodbye to cold drinks and hello to a portable source of warmth.

Fashion Meets Function: Stylish Fleeces and Jackets

As temperatures drop and rain clouds gather, keeping warm and dry becomes a necessity. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the arrival of our cosy fleeces and jackets. These stylish additions to your winter wardrobe have been popular in the past, and we’re confident that you’ll love them as much as we do. Embrace both fashion and function as you navigate the cold and wet weather with ease.

Ready for Anything: Versatile Backpacks in Vibrant Colours

Carry your winter essentials with style in our specially ordered backpacks. With a capacity of 20 litres, they are spacious enough to accommodate all your personal protective equipment (PPE) and other goodies without being overly bulky. Available in a variety of colours, these backpacks add a touch of vibrancy to your winter ensemble while ensuring you have everything you need wherever you go.