Bassetlaw: Care homes meet dementia stamp of approval

Ashley House Care Home in Worksop; Brailsford House Care Home in Harworth; Branthwaite Care Home in Retford; Newton House Care Home in Worksop and Tuxford Manor Care Home in Tuxford have achieved the Dementia Quality Mark, which will mean enhanced payments for people with dementia in their care.

They were among 22 residential care homes and 10 nursing homes who received an unannounced visit from independent inspectors over the summer to check that they meet the required care standards for residents with dementia set out by Notts County Council.

Criteria that the homes had to meet included positive attitude towards dementia, allowing people with dementia emotional and physical freedom, ensuring day routines are carried out, and providing meaningful activities and stimulation.

Improving the quality of care in homes for people with dementia is a national and local priority.

The council has been working with care home providers and the NHS to improve dementia care through training, workforce development and specialist support services.

The Dementia Quality Mark has been developed by the council to set the standard for high quality care in care homes within Notts.

The inspections were carried out by Better Outcomes in Adult Care and Senior Moments which have extensive experience in dementia care.

Councillor Muriel Weisz, the council’s chair of adult social care and health committee, said: “It is pleasing that there is an even spread of care homes across the county which have achieved the Dementia Quality Mark.”

“This mark recognises high standards of dementia care and the successful care homes will receive an extra payment for residents with dementia as an incentive to continue their good work.”