1. A provider’s dementia journey services and support Zara Ross November 2014

3. St Monica Trust Introduction Charity established in 1919 by the Wills Family; Legacy included provision to build/support St Monica Home and a Community Fund; 2000: 1 site in north Bristol; 2014: 4 sites, 3 with care homes (287 beds); 550 apartments on 4 assisted living communities with care; a care at home service; community fund supporting individuals, groups and LinkAge hubs

4. Our dementia journey at St Monica Trust Pre 2000 - St Monica Home: little acceptance that dementia was part of caring for residents; required different approach; Myra 2002-2006 - two residential units within nursing home services; training and much greater awareness of dementias; Gordon 2007-2012 – understanding more about designing for dementia; development of the Russets; acceptance of increased level of dementia within people’s own homes/our communities; Margaret 2012 onwards – organisation-wide commitment to doing more...

5. The Russets, Sandford Station

6. St Monica Trust Dementia Strategy – Doing more… D ementia champions in all our teams O utcomes-based care planning in all care-giving I ndependent assessment against quality standards N ursing beds increased within specialist dementia services G rowth in awareness/education about dementia and engagement with other providers and dementia services M aximised care at home for people with dementia O ffering day opportunities R esearch dementia-related well-being areas E nd of Life support enhanced for people with dementia.

7. What we continue to learn re staff working in dementia settings Staff who work best in dementia settings are emotionally intelligent; know themselves and their impact on others; Advertising/recruiting for dementia care staff needs to focus/test for particular qualities, values and attitudes; Inducting, developing, training and supporting staff should focus on emotional contribution, as well as knowledge/skills; Sometimes the most unlikely people are the best at dementia care, and not just in care teams! Relational dementia engagement takes time; it’s not cheap.

8. What we continue to learn Relational engagement is crucial, whether or not the individual recognises they have dementia (CAMEO café); Carers’ need for support and education (Alzheimer Café); The fantastic contribution of volunteers; People with dementia/their carers tell us what works – we need to listen to them; Our built environments continue to evolve – we never build exactly the same service twice! There’s always more to learn!

9. The Russets, Sandford Station

10. “We can’t afford to be doing things as we have always done them” Zara Ross (Head of Care) telephone: 0117 949 4093 email: zara.ross@stmonicatrust.org.uk