Our Dementia Service Broker receives referrals directly from Social Workers for clients requiring support to take part in activity due to living with dementia, some may be waiting on diagnosis, this is usually accompanied by cares requiring urgent respite. Broker visits client and family at home and produces a personalised care plan to find the right activity for client. This could be attending our Dementia Day Centre at Haven Court or an Activity Support Worker to support attending a community activity, outdoor activity or activity within home for those housebound. The client may be entitled to Direct Payments from local authority to help fund the support, it is important the funding is used in the way the client wants and needs. Families are also supported with additional information and referrals to organisations who may help.
Our Day Centre is within Haven Court and has been commissioned by the local authority, those attending must have a diagnosis of dementia and have been referred to ACTS Broker by Social Worker. The day centre runs 2 sessions per day, 7 days a week and offers a range of activities to engage clients and provide enjoyment and stimulation in a safe setting with the help of our highly trained staff. Refreshments and light meals are provided. Staff can assist with personal care if required and all clients are treated with dignity and respect. Some of the activities that take place are games, arts and crafts, gardening in raised beds, singing, reminiscence with old photos or objects and day trips – and of course chatting over a cup of tea!. Transport is provided for those that need it. Ongoing carer support is offered, with carers often just needing a chat with someone who understands.
Feedback from family member ‘The staff are amazing. Dad loves the golfing activities and his concentration is very good. He loves dancing and singing and playing the drums. There’s so much to occupy everyone’s needs. So grateful for this wonderful service and I always recommend it to anyway who needs this kind of day service with activities.’
Carers Workshops are for family and friends of those affected by dementia to attend over 3 or 4 weeks and provides information as well as offering a safe and supportive place to talk about any problems and share advice. Information given to carers includes effects of dementia, approaching tasks and activity, support available, self care and ways to support their loved one through dementia journey. The workshop is free and refreshments are provided.
Our dementia service Broker can support community groups in ways to make the group dementia friendly. It can include dementia awareness training for staff, volunteers and those attending the groups, so everyone can make their group more inclusive so the person with dementia can continue to be part of their community longer. We can also look ways of making the building more dementia friendly, even small changes make a big difference.