News

Poole Adult Social Services have been highlighted as an example of best practice at an EU meeting in The Hague this week.

Over the past five years, the Borough has worked in partnership with Dementia Voice, the dementia services development centre for the South West, to develop specialist home care and respite services for people with dementia in Poole.

Professor Jane Gilliard, Director of Dementia Voice, addressed the European Union Health Property Network and discussed how hospital environments can be designed to be more welcoming for older people. In her presentation she used Mitchell House in Poole as a prime example to demonstrate what can be done to support the needs of people with dementia.

With much creativity and imagination, staff at Mitchell House used some innovative ideas to improve the environment and support the needs of people with dementia. Different colours that encourage people towards areas where they are safe and away from danger areas have been used throughout the house, along with open-plan living and kitchen areas. A new sensory garden has also been created recently offering scented plants, water features, walkways and wind-chimes.

Jeff Russell, Principal Officer, Adult Social Services Provider, Borough of Poole, said: "It is important that we work hard to recognise the changing needs of our clients. Working with Dementia Voice has given us great opportunity to specialise and improve our services for people with dementia. The new sensory garden at Mitchell House is a great success offering residents a valuable opportunity to relax, socialise and appreciate being outdoors. It is good to see such recognition for some of the hard work done by our staff across the Borough."

The sensory garden was developed by staff and residents at Mitchell House with the support of the Arts Development Team who commissioned artist Gill Melling and musician Andy Baker to help create a garden central to the needs of the residents.

Anna Shiels, Arts Programme Manager, Borough of Poole, described the garden: "Circular paths lead residents gently around different areas of the garden that has been planted using bold contrasting colours and shapes. Distinct areas of planting encourage you to touch, smell, listen and taste. Raised beds and specially created artworks encourage interaction and activity and a handle-operated musical box plays a sequence of notes chosen by residents themselves."

Cllr Mrs Jane James, Executive Portfolio Holder for Tackling Disadvantage, Borough of Poole, said: "It is a great reflection on the hard work put in across the Borough for us to be highlighted as a quality service. This is another great example of working in partnership with all concerned for the benefit of our residents, well done to everyone involved. Dementia is an issue that many people have to deal with in their lives and it is important that we provide support and advice to those who need it."