New care home with dementia expertise opens in Newtownards, Northern Ireland

A new care home for older people has opened in Newtownards in Northern Ireland.

The Priory Group's Blair House is purpose built with beds for residents needing nursing or dementia nursing care. It offers en-suite bedrooms, an activities room and comfortable and homely lounge areas.

It has been designed to reflect the latest nursing and dementia care and facilities include a state-of-the-art nurse call system, a laundry service and a reminiscence room.

Residents quickly feel at home with the dementia sign-posting for orientation and the site is fully wheelchair accessible.

Residents will have access to professionals including a chiropodist, GP and optician and a wide range of activities have been planned.

The registered nurses and care workers have specialist dementia training and are supported by the Priory Group’s new dementia lead, Ginny Patterson, who is working to continuously improve the individual experience of people living with dementia.

Janette Malham, managing director of older people’s services within the Priory Group said: “Blair House has been well received by healthcare professionals, particularly in light of the nursing and dementia nursing services it provides for the local community in Newtownards.

“I am very proud of the facilities at Blair House and the quality and innovative dementia care we are offering.

“The experience the Priory Group has in mental health, complex and long term care transfers very well into older people’s services. People are now living longer and have more complex needs and associated health issues that we have the experience to care for.”

Blair House was officially opened by Edwin Poots MLA minister for health social services and public safety, who said: “Blair House is an example of the type of facilities we want to see more of – tailored to meet the needs of its residents, and run by staff committed to the delivery of excellent care.

“I commend the Priory Group for taking such careful consideration over the design elements of Blair House, ensuring that it provides the best possible environment to maximise the potential and abilities of its residents.

“It is very pleasing to see facilities such as Blair House being developed in Northern Ireland. I am confident that those who use this facility will be receiving the best quality of care.”