Lead: Caroline Ortega (Deputy Manager)
Link: Maham Ulfat (Msc Public Health) & Matthew Thomas (BA Social Work)
Goal:
To improve the lives of people living with dementia and their families, by enhancing the support and services provided by Social Care Alba (SCA).
Action 1
Provide Dementia Awareness Training for Staff and Families
What:
Deliver dementia awareness to all care staff, open to families, thereby improving understanding, empathy, and quality of care.
Why:
Well-informed staff and families provide better support, improving quality of life for people with dementia and their families.
Outcome:
1 January 2025
All applicants and current care staff have completed eLearning in Dementia Awareness, as well as workshops in Dementia and Stress & Distress. Additional training from the University of Tasmania has been completed by other team members. Qualifications with the care team include, amongst others, Nursing, Social Work, Physiotherapy, Ophthalmology, Person Centred Support, Health Care Management, Mental Health, Health & Social Care. Each of these have components focussed on Dementia.
Action 2
Promote Family Support Groups
What:
Set up monthly online information on local support groups for families to share experiences, seek advice, and access peer support.
Why:
Families often feel isolated; support groups can provide emotional relief and practical tips.
Outcome:
1 January 2025
Information on local and national support groups is available on our Service User & Family website.
Action 3
Develop Personalised Plans
What:
Create highly personalised care plans for individuals with dementia based on their life history, preferences, and needs.
Why:
Personalisation ensures dignity, builds trust, and promotes better outcomes.
Outcome:
1 January 2025
All service users have a person centred āAbout Meā section, and a comprehensive 20 point Dementia Action guide for families on PASS. The guide is also published on the Service User & Family website. All SU who agreed have a Herbert Protocol.
Action 4
Partner with Local Dementia Organisations
What:
Build relationships with organisations like Alzheimer Scotland and Dementia-Friendly Edinburgh.
Why:
Partnerships can offer expert guidance, training, and resources to enhance services.
Outcome:
1 January 2025
We have partnered with several organisations including, Scottish Care, Dementia Training partnership, Alzheimer’s Scotland and EHSCP to provide resources to staff, service users and families through our website.
Action 5
Introduce Reminiscence Therapy
What:
Use food, memory boxes, music, and storytelling to engage clients with their past.
Why:
Reminiscence activities improve mood and cognitive function in people with dementia.
Outcome:
1 January 2025
We created CookeryHQ.com as a way to engage in conversations about food, sharing this with 15,000 people monthly
Action 6
Make Homes Dementia-Friendly
What:
Assess and adapt clientsā homes to reduce confusion and improve safety (e.g., clear labelling, contrasting colours).
Why:
A dementia-friendly environment reduces stress and promotes independence.
Outcome:
1 January 2025
We shared Good Practise in Design with Service Users and Families on our website. In addition, we provided Digital Clocks to orientate to time and place, and Photo Boards of staff as a reminder of peoplesā care team.
Action 7
Encourage Respite Care for Families
What:
Provide or encourage the use of respite care options to give families regular breaks.
Why:
Caring for someone with dementia can be exhausting; respite care supports carersā wellbeing.
Outcome:
1 January 2025
We will share details of respite care services, including those of SCA on our website. This will include how to access or request these services from EHSCP
Action 8
Enhance Community Engagement
What:
Promote dementia-friendly events, like walks, coffee mornings, or film screenings.
Why:
Social activities combat isolation and keep individuals with dementia connected to their communities.
Outcome:
1 January 2025
We share updates on local activities monthly in advance on our Service User & Family website.
Action 9
Create a Resource Hub
What:
Develop an online hub with information on dementia support, including local resources and best practices.
Why:
A centralised resource makes it easier for families to find the help they need.
Outcome:
1 January 2025
We created and maintain a Service User & Family website which has a range of activities, information, contacts and resources related to Dementia.
Action 10
Conduct an Impact Review
What:
Evaluate the projectās impact on service users and families through surveys and feedback sessions.
Why:
Reviewing outcomes ensures accountability and helps identify areas for further improvement.
Outcome:
1 January 2025
We added a feedback section to our Staff website where comments from Service Users/Families are shared. We seek opinions from Service Users/Families at service reviews, spot checks, staff observations and staff appraisals. Additionally an online form is available on our website, or alternatively a feedback can be done via OpenPASS, email or phone at any time.
Addendum
Useful Documents and Resources
- This Is Me (Alzheimerās Society) ā Personalised care planning tool
- Dementia-Friendly Design Checklist (DSDC) ā Practical guide to adapting living spaces
- Post-Diagnostic Support in Scotland ā Scottish Government support overview
- NHS Inform Dementia Zone ā Comprehensive advice for carers and professionals
- Playlist for Life Resources ā Guides on using music to support dementia care
- Carers UK Guidance for Dementia Care ā Tips and resources for family carers
- Dementia National Strategy – National Policy legislation
- Dementia Learning Resources – Care Inspectorate, improving practise
- Consultant Learning Network – Resources from Alzheimer Scotland
- Scottish Care – Rene Rigby, Edinburgh Dementia Training Partnership
- NHS Lothian – Ken Dick, Edinburgh Dementia Training Partnership
Updates:
- Dementia-Friendly Activities in November and December
- Webinar: Lewy Body Dementia (31 July 2024)
- Navigating the Challenges of Dementia Care: Tips and Strategies
- Understanding Dementia: Free open online course (opens 8th July 2024)
- Useful websites and digital resources
- Everyday Aids for People with Dementia
- New digital clocks at Social Care Alba
- Dementia Training
- Good practice in the design of homes and living spaces for people with dementia and sight loss
- Dementia: Types of dementia & How technology can help to support dementia sufferers
- Diary of a Care Worker: Dementia and Confabulation
- SCA and Complex Behaviour ā Overview
- How to make a playlist for life | (Download the PDF)