PROJECTS


interventions, there are also soft textiles and tactile materials, natural items such as dry twigs, and a fireplace that is lit to look like a real fire. Incorporating these features was


important for familiarity and comfort, providing a warm and intimate atmosphere and making the space informal, homely and relaxing. Deborah Harding of the home’s activity team said: “At Coombe Hill Manor we believe in creating profound experiences to help deliver positive outcomes for our residents. “We spent a lot of time researching


the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Margaret Thompson, includes colour- changing fibre-optic lights and a high- specification projector which is used to show images that create a sense of tranquillity and stimulate positive memories.


It is also used to play music


performances and to connect residents with family members via Skype. The projector is Bluetooth-enabled,


allowing family visitors to display photos and videos using their own devices to help recreate memories and maintain relationships.


TALKING SENSE Dr Jakob is a leading expert in designing sensory environments. Her research focuses on how textiles, light and colour can be used to benefit people with cognitive limitations. In collaboration with occupational


therapist, Dr Lesley Collier from Brunel University, she has developed a guide for carers and care homes entitled How to make a sensory room for people living with dementia. The new room at Coombe Hill Manor puts into practice many of the guide’s recommendations. Alongside the technological


and developing the sensory room with Dr Jakob and her team, as well the families of our residents, to ensure it would deliver the right results. “I believe it will have an extremely-


positive impact on our residents’ wellbeing.”


A SAFE PLACE Dr Jakob and Dr Collier will be working with care home residents and staff over the coming months to gather their feedback on the space. This will inform future design work, with Dr Jakob hoping to roll out the design project in some of the other homes also owned by Signature Care Group. “This new facility will make a real


difference for the residents of the dementia suite at Coombe Hill Manor”, she said. “The room offers a safe destination


and retreat from a busy environment – a space the residents can inhabit, together with visiting relatives, and which can be personalised according to their needs.


“This will help them feel


comfortable in their surroundings, enjoying meaningful experiences and stimulating positive feelings which can help to alleviate boredom, frustration and depression.”


www.signature-care-homes.co.uk


News in brief The next generation


A new 84-bed specialist care home for people with dementia is set to open later this year in Middleton St George, County Durham. Auguste Communities is the first of a new generation of care homes being developed by the Prestige Care Group. Described by Prestige director, Paul Smith, as ‘sitting at the top tier of dementia care’; the facility will be set within its own scenic grounds enclosed by trees and featuring safe nature treks, a potting shed, gardening areas, a fountain, and chicken coops, as well as play areas for visiting children. The centre is due to open in the autumn.


www.prestigecaregroup.com Breaking ground


Interserve has broken ground on a new £8m children and adolescent mental health unit at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester. The building is due for completion late next summer and will provide 15 inpatient beds for young people with psychiatric conditions. The design, by David Morley Architects, is based on a clinical model developed through engagement with staff, service users and their families; and represents an increase on the current, temporary, 10-bed provision at Coalville Community Hospital. It will include services for children and young people with eating disorders who previously had to travel outside the area for specialist care.


www.davidmorleyarchitects.co.uk www.interserve.com


mhdf magazine


11


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27