ByJonathan Kalmus, Jonathan Kalmus
South Manchester's Morris Feinmann care home is revamping facilities in preparation for a predicted rise in residents suffering with dementia.
The 57-place Jewish home in Didsbury is training its 100 staff in dementia care, while a specialist garden is planned in conjunction with experts from Scotland's Sterling University. Some 25 staff have completed a six-month training course in dementia care techniques led by medical consultant Dr Amanda Lurie, who is also a trustee.
Director of Stirling University's Dementia Services Development Centre, Professor Mary Marshall, is advising on coloured interior fittings such as carpets, doors and skirting boards which will help to orientate dementia suffers around a care home.
The home's chair of trustees Alan Wilkins said the home was "acutely aware" of dementia need but said the cost of the operation was minimal and emphasised care would be discreet.
"People who need dementia support do not necessarily need nursing. Some will be interspersed in our normal care but we will be able to have dedicated meal times and activities. It's about bespoke service and allowing Jewish people to stay in a Jewish environment if they do develop signs of dementia," Mr Wilkins said.