Making the most of visits

A new resource has been launched to help families overcome some of the barriers that can crop up when a loved- one living with dementia moves into care.

A care home in Renfrewshire has teamed up with Scottish Care and the Care Inspectorate to produce a handy guide to help making a visit to a care home an enjoyable and engaging experience for everyone.

The booklet, called Come On In! came together after Jackie Weston, manager of Campbell Snowdon care home in Bridge of Weir discussed the issue with some of the families who visit the home.

She said: “We are absolutely delighted that we are now in the position to share this resource with others.

“We started sharing our experiences of what makes a good visit at one of our Abbeyfield family forums.

“We knew this kernel of an idea had massive potential, and here we are today.

“Come On In has been a labour of love for us all and we are so proud that it will help others support their friends and family with dementia.

“We would like to thank everybody involved for making it happen.”

Heather Edwards, the Care Inspectorate’s dementia consultant, said: “This guide contains some practical, simple advice about how to prepare for and enjoy visiting loved ones.

“For example, sometimes people living with dementia don’t talk a great deal.

“It can be important not to worry about this, and understand that it’s okay to sit quietly together.”