Replica bus stop donated to Lincoln care home to help dementia patients

Bus operator Stagecoach has donated a replica bus stop for inclusion in a Lincoln care home’s reminiscence garden.

The 30 bedroom Bernadette House Care Home, situated in an acre of gardens in the south of Lincoln, provides care and activities for people, many of whom suffer from dementia.

Many of the patients, would regularly use to use their local bus service, continued to walk around the home looking for a bus stop.

After being contacted by the care home, Stagecoach East Midlands donated a bus stop and timetable for patients at the care home for their comfort.

The donation will help with dementia patients’ reminiscence therapy, which encourages discussion of past events and memories that help people reconnect with their former lives and improve the quality of care they receive further.

The bus stop has been placed in the corner of the garden with a bench for those to sit and relax.

Elizabeth Stephens, Owner of Bernadette House Care Home, said: “We’re absolutely delighted Stagecoach were kind enough to provide us with a bus stop for our reminiscence garden. It’s a fabulous addition to the home and has triggered many fond memories of past bus journeys with friends and family for our residents.”

Michelle Hargreaves, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, added: “When Bernadette House Care Home approached us with the idea of providing a replica bus stop for the residents, we were more than happy to assist. We hope that the bus stop will provide residents with some familiarity and will help them during their Reminiscence Therapy.”

Source: The Lincolnite, Andrew Quann

What a great idea, helping residents feel more at home with familiar sights.

Dukinfield care home 'bathed residents once a month'

Dementia sufferers living at a care home were only bathed once a month and lived in "disgusting" conditions.

A Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in July at Yew Trees in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, said it was "not safe".

Inspectors found nine breaches of health and safety at the home, which has been placed in special measures.

The owners said it has made immediate changes to address the issues.

The CQC said some residents "looked unkempt" and records showed some people were only given baths or showers once a month, twice at the most, even those who were incontinent.

One relative of a resident asked inspectors if they could have more baths "because I have to wash my relative down".

Meals 'chaotic'

A woman who said her late mother lived there for 18 months said it was "absolutely disgusting" and she "kept a diary of incidents but it made no difference".

Inspectors found the home was not safe, effective, caring, responsive or well led.

Claire Ingham said her mother, who had dementia and died earlier this year, was physically attacked by other residents.

Inspectors also said mealtimes were "chaotic" and had been told by a relative a resident lost four stone in weight since being at the home.

The relative told the CQC: "We shouldn't have to come in and help out as we are paying for the support."

The inspection also highlighted:

  Care was not safe because of insufficient suitably trained staff

  People were not always safeguarded from abuse

  Risks of harm was not always properly assessed or monitored

  There was no stimulation or activities

  Complaints had not been acted upon

At the time of the unannounced inspection, Yew Trees had 41 residents, the majority of whom have dementia.

A spokesman said residents' health, safety and wellbeing were its "utmost priority" and it "immediately put in place a detailed action plan" to address the issues highlighted by the CQC.

SOURCE: BBC