Staff at a Midlands care home are celebrating after receiving a prestigious award which recognises the home’s commitment to supporting people with dementia.

Chandos Lodge Residential Home in Hagley, West Midlands, has been presented with a Bronze Award by Adventure with Dementia – an organisation which helps health and social care providers to enhance the lives of people living with dementia.

To gain the recognition, the care home took part in the six-month ‘See Me’ Values Framework which are based on key areas including stimulation, engagement, environment, meaningful and education.

The training programme undertaken by the staff covered making closer links with the community, the care home environment, enhancing meals and mealtimes, stimulation through music and supporting residents every day to live the fullest lives possible.

Ann Norris, Manager at Chandos Lodge, said: “This is a big achievement for us as it shows we’re taking the right steps in helping our residents who are living with dementia.
“We had to go through a really tough process and will continue to be rated every six months to ensure everything remains in place.

“More than anything, the programme has allowed us to bring in positive changes. They have helped ensure we maintain a homely feel and a place where residents can gain experiences which stimulate memories, such as exploring our sensory garden where they can enjoy sights, smells and sounds. We are also making meal times a much more enjoyable occasion so memories can once again be stimulated through taste and smells. It gives us a brilliant framework to stick to.”

Rachel Kenyon, Co-Founder of Worcestershire-based Adventure with Dementia, added: “Throughout the programme we were so impressed with Ann and her team.

“They want to be the best they possibly can be in terms of dementia care and that dedication really shone through. We’re looking forward to visiting Chandos Lodge again early next year to see the progress being made.”

It is estimated that there are 750,000 people living with dementia in the UK and that figure is expected to rise to over one million by 2025.

Chandos Lodge is part of the privately-owned Clarendon Care Home Group and is registered with the Care Quality Commission for 34 residents.