Award joy for the care home that really cares

Erskine Park project makes a difference to residents with dementia

A top charity has landed a prestigious award for its care of dementia patients.

The Erskine Park home, in Bishopton, picked up the prize at Scotland’s Dementia Awards 2019.

It took the Best Care Home Practice Improvement Award for its innovative Namaste project.

The awards, judged by a panel of social service, third sector and health professionals, celebrate the achievements of the people making a difference to those living with dementia and their families.

Home manager Lesley Wylie said: “Namaste care provides residents with meaningful interactions until their very last breath.

“It is truly person centred using all five senses to connect with residents living with advanced dementia and at the end of their life.

“Relatives can be welcomed into the Namaste space and have stated that when they thought there was nothing left for their relative there was Namaste.”

The Erskine Park home specialises in the provision of dementia care for 40 veterans and spouses in purpose- built accommodation within the grounds of the Erskine estate.

The Namaste project is part of a fuller specialist programme geared to helping those with dementia enjoy life to the full.

A relative of a former patient said: “Namaste at Erskine Park gave my husband the ‘good death’ he deserved, in peaceful surroundings.”

A resident added: “It feels like a little bit of heaven here, it really feels like home.”

Erskine director of care Derek Barron said: “I am delighted with this award which recognised the excellence in care that the Erskine Park Home team strive to deliver every day.

“The team, led by home manager Lesley Wylie, has our residents at the centre of what they do every day. They are not afraid to innovate or introduce new ways of supporting our residents to have the best life possible, and when that time comes, the best death possible.”

“The introduction of Namaste, which means ‘I bow to you’, has made significant difference in the lives of residents and helped their loved ones enjoy quality time with them,” Mr Barron added.

“It is an evidence- based approach which values the individual, engaging with them in the latter stages of their life journey.

“I’m proud of Lesley and the team in the way they have incorporated Namaste into the day to day way things happen at Erskine Park.

“I have had several families speak to me about the positive impact Namaste has had on their loved one.”