News

The Borough of Poole’s Social Services team and other care providers in the area have created a partnership to develop a unique service at the Garland Road Day Centre for people in Poole with dementia.

The day centre service will compliment the nationally regarded residential, respite and home care services run by the Borough for people with dementia. In order to provide the best service to users of Garland Road Day Centre will undergo a £25,000 refurbishment funded by Poole Primary Care Trust.

When it opens on 10 March the service will be available for six days a week from 9.30am to 4.30pm providing complete personal care and specialist activities. Plans to extend this to seven days and into the early evening are currently being considered.

The partnership is made up of the Borough of Poole Social Services, Poole Primary Care Trust, Dorset Healthcare NHS Trust, Poole Old People’s Welfare & Housing Society Ltd and St Mary’s Church in Longfleet. An important feature of the new service is the shared effort with the Haymoor Unit at Alderney Hospital which will enable the effective use of the day centre and residential care to users in Poole, ensuring that resources are best utilised.

As part of the Council’s commitment to working with the local community and as part of St Mary’s Longfleet Church commitment to support its local community, members of the church will be actively involved in creating a specialist environment which enables older people with dementia to orientate themselves in the building and retain memories and awareness.

Cllr Jane James, Executive Portfolio Holder for Care, said: "This is a really good example of how the Council can work with other partners such as the Primary Care Trust and the local community to provide innovative and first class provision for people in the Town. I am delighted that this wonderful scheme will provide invaluable support for those most in need."

Jeff Russell, Principal Officer, Adult Social Services Provider Unit, said: "Poole is already known nationally for its services for people with dementia and the creation of this centre marks the continued commitment to those who are most dependent within the community. Working with partner organisations we are able to further strengthen the services to this client group".

Further information regarding this development is available from Jeff Russell, 01202 261029.

Work on Garland Road Day Centre will begin on Monday 10 February for four weeks and is due to re-open on Monday 10 March. During the work alternative services will be provided for users at Poole Day Centre and Mitchell House.