Caring Jack goes back to school

Husband of sufferer Jean completes care course on disease

A Fife husband has taken caring for his dementia sufferer wife to a new level.

Jack Gardener, whose wife Jean is a resident at Balhousie Forth View in Methil, has become the first family member of a resident in one of the organisation’s care homes to reach dementia skilled level in a programme aimed at promoting excellence in dementia care.

Jack visits Forth View to see Jean, whose dementia is at a more advanced stage, on a daily basis and had showed an interest in the training staff were receiving on dementia care, so the home manager Gordon Candlish offered him the training.

Jack reached skilled level on the Promoting Excellence in dementia care framework developed by NHS Education for Scotland and the Scottish Social Services Council.

“I enjoyed learning more about dementia by completing the modules with the help of the staff at Forth View.

Jack added: “I would say to other people to do it, if for no other reason than to improve your own knowledge and be able to support your loved one.”

Balhousie Care Group’s dementia consultant Yvonne Manson said: “I am overjoyed that we have now had our first family member complete skilled level in promoting excellence in dementia care.

“I admire Jack for taking the time to complete the modules and look at ways he can support his wife by increasing his own knowledge. “

Mr Candlish said Jack showed great aptitude, adding: “He has told me he got a great deal of benefit from completing the promoting excellence course and now has an increased understanding on all aspects of dementia care which will support his visits to the home.”

Jack at his “graduation” with, from left, Gordon Candlish, Yvonne Manson and Anna Anderson.