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.

Social Care Alba is inviting service users and families to participate in staff recruitment and training

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Placing the people we support at the centre of the services we deliver, and designing services that meet their needs, is a fundamental aspect of the ethos of Social Care Alba. That’s why we are inviting our service users and families to participate in staff recruitment and training. We believe that involving the people we support when we are recruiting new staff can be crucial to ensuring that the “right” people are employed within our organisation. The “right” people have the skills, qualities and characteristics that those who will be in receipt of their support have identified as being important.

What are the benefits of becoming involved ?

There are a number of benefits to involving service users in the recruitment and selection of staff:

  • Services will be more effective, as they are delivered by people who will be well received by service users and this will develop a positive attitude towards involvement and working together
  • People who have experience of using services are ideally placed to have a say on what kind of person and skills are necessary for the job
  • Being involved in decision making will develop a greater sense of ownership, citizenship and social responsibility
  • Taking part is an opportunity to develop confidence, self esteem and new skills such as communication, listening skills and decision making skills

There are many ways to become involved and will be defined based on the replies we receive. Examples of participation can be: Taking part in meetings or focus groups, one-to-one discussions or by providing feedback and replying to questionnaires. At Social Care Alba we believe your input matters and we are confident that this involvement will enrich our services, foster trust, and empower individuals within our community.

If you or a member of your family is a service user, we are inviting you to join us on this journey. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how you can be a part of this transformative process. We look forward to hearing from you.

Dementia training

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Committed to the best possible care and support

Recently, Social Care Alba staff have undertaken a comprehensive Dementia Training program, which covers various essential aspects of caring for individuals with dementia. This training reflects a commitment to providing the best possible care and support to those affected by dementia, recognising the unique challenges and needs of this population.

SCA Staff Dementia Training

At the heart of this training is the development of dementia-informed and skilled practice. This entails equipping our staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the intricacies of dementia, its progression, and its impact on individuals. By becoming informed about dementia, they are better prepared to provide empathetic and effective care.

Evaluating, monitoring and maintaining cognitive and functional abilities

The inclusion of a Dementia Assessment Tool is a valuable addition, as it allows our staff to systematically evaluate and monitor the cognitive and functional abilities of individuals with dementia. This tool enables a more personalised approach to care and ensures that interventions are tailored to the specific needs and capabilities of each person.

Moreover, the focus on attitudes towards dementia is crucial. It encourages our staff to adopt a compassionate and person-centred approach, which is essential for maintaining the dignity and well-being of individuals living with dementia. Effective communication skills are also emphasised, as clear and empathetic communication can greatly enhance the quality of care and the well-being of the individual.

The practical aspects of caring for physical and mental stimulation are essential for maintaining cognitive and physical function in individuals with dementia. The hand-over-hand support and positive approach, as demonstrated to the team with informed practice videos, provide practical insights into caregiving techniques that can enhance the overall quality of life for individuals with dementia.

Identifying triggers and addressing distressed behaviour

Addressing distressed behaviour is another critical component of this training. By identifying triggers and causes of such behaviour and engaging in group discussions, our staff is better equipped to manage challenging situations effectively. This approach not only improves the well-being of individuals with dementia but also reduces stress and frustration among caregivers.

Finally, the competency questionnaire serves as an important assessment tool to evaluate the staff’s understanding and proficiency in providing dementia care. It ensures that our team is continually developing their skills and knowledge, ultimately leading to improved care outcomes for individuals with dementia.

The dementia training program our staff has completed encompasses a wide range of essential topics, from understanding the condition to practical caregiving techniques and communication skills. This comprehensive approach will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the care and support provided by Social Care Alba to individuals with dementia, enhancing their quality of life and well-being.

Learn more