Two specialist dementia support workers whose roles have been funded by a £26,000 grant are helping to boost the wellbeing of residents at Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford.
Anna Cartman and Precious Declan are providing one-to-one support and activities for veterans to improve their quality of life and slow the progression of their dementia.
The activities include quizzes, reading poetry, enjoying scents and textures and learning a foreign language.
The roles have been created with the help of a grant from the Veterans’ Foundation.
Karen Miller, chief executive of Broughton House, said Anna and Precious are having a greatly beneficial impact on residents who have dementia or who are living with cognitive decline.
“In a short period of time, they have helped our residents to regain their desire to connect socially with other people, improve their quality of life and their wellbeing and slow the progression of their condition,” said Karen.
“Having Anna and Precious on board has been particularly important during the Covid crisis, as residents have been unable to see family or friends for long periods, increasing their sense of isolation. In common with other care homes, we continue to operate under strict rules due to our residents’ vulnerability.
“Veterans with dementia have been particularly at risk in terms of their wellbeing, as they struggle to remember and understand why they are not seeing friends or family, which can be very distressing for them.
“We’re extremely grateful to the Veterans’ Foundation for its generous grant to fund the new posts. The support received has been most welcome during this incredibly difficult period.
“The mental health of our residents is hugely important to us, and we are delighted to see the specialist care and support provided by Anna and Precious bearing fruit in such a positive way.
“Working with our care team, nurses, healthcare assistants and managers to develop personal care plans for our residents, they are making a real difference.
“Their presence will have an even greater impact when our redevelopment is completed early next year, as Broughton House Veteran Care Village will be doubling in size to accommodate 64 residents.”
The Veterans’ Foundation helps fund charities and other charitable organisations that help serving and former members of the Armed Forces, and their dependants, who are in need. It raises money through the Veterans’ Lottery and donations.
Founder and chief executive Major General David Shaw said: “The Veterans’ Foundation is proud to support Broughton House Veteran Care Village through multiple grants as they continue to provide compassion, care and comradery to the ex-service community.
“We are grateful to the team at Broughton House for the important work they do to provide quality services and facilities through the care home and support hub, especially over the unprecedented past 21 months.”
You can sign up for the Veterans’ Lottery here
www.veteransfoundation.org.uk/lottery/join
