Dementia care achievements recognised in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s Older Persons Commissioner and the chief executive of Age NI have attended a Dementia Achievement Awards ceremony, organised by the Northern Ireland Dementia Services Development Centre (NI DSDC) to recognised quality care provision.

Performing well at the event were two Four Seasons Health Care Group homes; Manor View Care Home, in County Down, was runner-up in the Staff Team of the Year category, while Rosevale Lodge Care Home, in Lisburn, was runner-up in the Judges Award Category.

Other care homes recognised were Sunnymead Residential Living, runner-up in a Dementia-Friendly Community Initiative; Bruce House and Nazareth House Care Village, runners-up in the Dementia Design Project of the Year; while Kirk House, Belfast was awarded Staff Team of the Year.

Amanda Leitch, programme director of NI DSDC, commented: “The McKeown Suite staff team from Bangor Care Home and the home manager from Rosevale Care Home, Mayvelyn Taleg have demonstrated their commitment to improving the quality of life people who live with dementia and their carers.

“Providing care that improves quality of life for people with dementia can be challenging, often needing people to go to extra ordinary lengths, in extra ordinary circumstances, but their commitment has been acknowledged by our judges. I extend my congratulation.”

Claire Keatinge, the Older Persons Commissioner for Northern Ireland, spoke warmly of all local companies, healthcare trusts and individuals who were recognised, saying:

“With more and more people living with dementia, it is essential that those working to support them are recognised and encouraged in the vital roles that they play. Working quietly in communities, the arts and health and social care settings, the outstanding contribution of those who go above and beyond to support people makes a huge difference to the lives of thousands of people living with dementia.

“Many volunteer, giving up their own time unpaid, or undertake educational studies to improve their knowledge and transform how people living with dementia are treated. The vital contribution made by carers must also not be overlooked, with thousands of ordinary people caring for a family member or friend, enabling them to live dignified and fulfilled lives.

“The Dementia Achievement Awards offers a platform on which to recognise and celebrate the wide range of ways in which so many people make a difference to those living with dementia through working or volunteering, and I am delighted to support this worthy cause.”

Director of DSDC, Professor June Andrews also said: “It is a great privilege to recognise Northern Ireland people who are making such a huge difference to the lives of families and individuals who are affected by dementia. They all deserve our gratitude.”