SCIE media releases 2009

Dementia Gateway launched

04 November 2009

  
“These are exactly the type of resources the social care sector needs because they are flexible and user-friendly. They are needed to improve the quality of care for people with dementia.” Martin Green, Chief Executive of the English Community Care Association (ECCA)

A new set of resources has been created which supports people with dementia, their carers and staff working in dementia services. The Dementia Gateway materials go live today on the Social Care Institute for Excellence's website (SCIE). It’s the first time that such a comprehensive set of resources have been developed. SCIE say it’s everything that you need to know about dementia for staff, managers, carers, commissioners and people with dementia.

The aim is to increase good practice in care homes and within domiciliary care and in turn to improve the lives of people living with dementia. It’s hoped that they can be supported to ‘live well’ with the condition. The website contains practical tips, tools and activities on key areas in an accessible and user-friendly format. You can visit the site for a quick update, or you can look in detail at dementia issues. The site includes free e-learning programmes, developed in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society.

SCIE's Director of Adult Services David Walden says:

"These resources address the many different facets of dementia; the different types of the disease, myths about the condition and people's experiences of dementia. This is another example of SCIE developing a range of resources, in accessible formats, for frontline staff and others."

Sections of the site include:

• Getting to know a person with dementia
• Eating well for health and enjoyment
• Tackling difficult situations
• Keeping active and occupied
• Making living places safe and enjoyable

In addition, the site offers access to a series of new films developed by SCIE for its Social Care TV service. These films cover dementia and other relevant topics such as nutrition and personalisation. Sandra Barwick’s mother has dementia and lives in a care home. Sandra told Social Care TV that keeping active is crucial:

“My mother likes gardening for instance. It’s important that she gets exercise but also she needs the stimulation of ordinary life. It’s equally important that the care home she lives in is right for her. She is happy and enjoys the company. There couldn’t have been a better outcome for her.”

Many people have been involved in developing these resources, from key organisations like the Alzheimer’s Society, along with input of care staff, carers and people who have dementia.

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Society, says:

“The Alzheimer’s Society was delighted to work with SCIE on the Dementia Gateway and contribute to developing a new and extensive resource. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and gradually robs people of their lives. We want to see the quality of care improved for people living with dementia. Resources like the Gateway are a vital part of this.'

Media contact

Steve Palmer | Interim Press and Public Affairs Manager | T: 020 7089 7117 | Mobile: 07739 458 192 | Email: media@scie.org.uk