Clara Court care home wins Excellence in Dementia Care Award

Home news

Nov 28, 2011

The enthusiastic and dedicated team at Care UK’s Clara Court care home in Maidenhead have been celebrating after winning an award for Excellence in Dementia Care

Clara Court care home has 76 residents, 65 of whom have dementia. The team’s commitment to providing first class, person-centred care encouraged a number of staff to study for an NVQ in dementia care.

Home manager Leigh Reid said: “My team’s commitment is exceptional and I would like to thank them for their dedication.  Dementia can affect a person’s ability to communicate and it can make the world seem a very confusing place. By taking time to understand each resident, our carers can provide exactly the care the individual resident wants in the way they want. The team support everyone’s interests and they help them take an active role in the running of the home.”

Residents have been involved in the home’s recent refurbishment, not only with the design but also with the practical implementation, such as decorating, mending and staining the garden furniture.

Leigh said: “Gardening is very popular with our residents; not only does it give them a sense of achievement when the chef cooks their produce, but they also enjoy being out in the sunshine and the physical exercise.

“Now everyone is busy making paper chains and decorations for Christmas. We spend a long time doing this as it not only helps maintain fine motor skills but it reawakens memories and gets residents talking, which is very important for people with dementia.

Frances Gibson Care UK’s Director of Clinical Governance said: “The judges were very impressed by the Clara Court team’s work. By getting residents involved in day to day activities, planning and hobbies, they engage them mentally and physically, which helps keep up life skills, mobility and independence and has led to a reduction in the need for medication.”