Gateshead dementia unit to provide person-centred care and versatile lifestyles

Carers of Armstrong House, Gateshead, will soon be able to practise their skills in expertly designed dementia suites, when doors to the care home’s new unit open next week.

The suites are tailored towards independent living, helping adults with dementia to cope better with memory loss, to retain as many of their life skills as possible and to pursue interesting hobbies and activities, at the same time as having access to a skilled nursing team.

Maizie Mears-Owens, head of dementia service at parent company Care UK, spoke of the provider’s ongoing commitment to advancing dementia care techniques: “Care UK is passionate about providing dementia care that helps residents and their relatives share time together in a stress-free environment.

"Part of the new suite is a vintage-style tearoom and we hope that families will be able to spend time there chatting about what they are up to, as well as remembering fun times they have shared.

"It can be difficult when a loved one has dementia. Communication can sometimes be difficult and relatives can be left feeling sad and frustrated. The team at Armstrong House are very dedicated and highly trained: they will be on hand to give advice and to work with relatives so that they can understand the condition and find new ways to communicate with their loved one."

The opening will be attended by Mayor of Gateshead, councillor Malcolm Brain, while many other health and social care professionals from the region will also be attending. Home manager Michelle Wilkinson is confident that visitors will be impressed, saying:

"The new suites look beautiful. No two bedrooms are the same, and each of them contains personal items to create an image of the resident.

"Our Head Chef Dale Bramer, who is also a very talented artist, has recreated local scenes on the wall such as Saltwell Park, Whitley Bay and St Mary’s Lighthouse. Not only are they attractive but they also get people talking and reminiscing. This is so important for people with dementia, as it not only helps their cognitive abilities but also keeps up their language skills and allows carers to learn more about their personal life stories.

"We are committed to providing person-centred care, and the key to that is understanding a resident’s past as well as their likes and dislikes."