Advanced Dementia Training with University of Stirling Elevates Care at the Future Care Group
Senior Dementia Consultant Dave Wilson-Wynne from the University of Stirling recently led an intensive day of Advanced Dementia Training for a select group of Lifestyle Leads and senior management from the Future Care Group, renowned specialists in dementia residential care.
Hosted at Cedar View Care Centre in Croydon, this collaborative training session aimed to enhance the quality of care and engagement for residents living with dementia across the 18 Future Care Group homes.
The training, organised with the internationally acclaimed Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling, reflects the centre's commitment to using cutting-edge research to improve dementia care practices.
By equipping the Future Care Group's Lifestyle Leads with advanced skills in delivering personalised, cognitively stimulating activities, the programme strives to create more enriching and meaningful experiences for residents. This initiative underscores the Future Care Group's dedication to nurturing person-centred care, ultimately elevating the standard of living for those affected by dementia.
David covered a wide array of topics, including enhanced dementia awareness, supporting unmet needs, and fostering meaningful engagement and connection with residents. The interactive nature and practical strategies of the training allowed participants to grasp the true significance of meaningful connections, leading to an enriching learning experience for the Future Care Group team, as well as the tools necessary to provide improved support for their residents.
Feedback from training participants was extremely positive:
“Throughout the training, I found the discussions on meaningful activities particularly insightful. David provided valuable insights into why these activities are important and offered practical ideas on how to tailor them to support residents living with dementia. Learning about how residents perceive their surroundings and the adjustments we can make to better support them was eye-opening.”
Fiona Smith, Lifestyle Lead, Priory Court Care Home, part of the Future Care Group
“David’s wealth of experience in various aspects of health and social care allowed him to provide real-life examples that were incredibly insightful. Despite having undergone previous dementia training, I discovered new perspectives on the condition that had never crossed my mind before.One aspect that stood out to me was the focus on the environmental factors affecting residents, especially those with sensory issues. The emphasis on elements like colours, lighting, and noise highlighted the importance of creating an environment conducive to their well-being and participation in activities.
I also appreciated David's emphasis on understanding our residents on a personal level. This person-centred approach is something I've always strived for, and his insights reaffirmed its significance. Additionally, concepts like P.I.N.C.H.M.E. provided valuable reminders of how various factors can influence resident behaviour.”
Kerry Dale, Lifestyle Lead, Steep House Nursing Home, part of the Future Care Group
“Among the many impactful aspects of the training, one that particularly resonated with me was discovering diverse approaches to communication with residents exhibiting unmet needs. This was an area I previously found challenging, but thanks to the techniques I learned, I now feel more confident in my ability to engage with these individuals effectively and empathetically.”
Natasha Allen, Lifestyle Lead, Brook House Nursing Home, part of the Future Care Group
“The emphasis on understanding the nuances of different types of dementia deeply resonated with me. David highlighted the importance of this knowledge in fostering meaningful connections with individuals living with dementia, a sentiment that I wholeheartedly endorse.”
Shobha Lakshminarayan, Lifestyle Lead, Southborough Nursing Home, part of the Future Care Group
Sue Roberts, Group Head of Quality and Compliance & Senior Risk Manager at the Future Care Group, adds:
“The University of Stirling's focus on dementia research and expertise aligns well with our dementia objectives and we are excited to be looking into the possibility of a potential partnership with the University of Stirling in the future. We are dedicated to continually developing our dementia care offering to ensure we are offering best in practice care for our residents and their loved ones.”