A
NURSE who gained much of her specialist experience in Ireland is
heading a pioneering new unit caring for elderly people with Alzheimers
and dementia in Solihull.
Gwen Sheehy has been appointed by Sunrise Senior Living to run the
Reminiscence unit at its assisted living complex in Dog Kennel Lane.
Sunrise opened its doors on March 2 and offers assisted living based
on a model developed in the Netherlands.
The dedicated Reminiscence unit also operates in accordance with a
Dutch-based model and has a number of facilities one would not encounter
elsewhere.
Some of the more innovative features of the unit include a sensory
room called the 'Snoozelem' room, which has been specially designed
to provide a calming environment for residents.
It contains soft coloured lights, fibre optics, music, aromatherapy
and special pillows designed to relieve agitation and other dementia-related
symptoms.
The unit also has specially designed life skills stations designed
to trigger memories and help stimulate residents' minds.
The stations are specially themed and encompass everything from an
office desk and dressing table to a nursery, shop and workbench.
The unit also places a strong emphasis on being active, with a special
co-ordinator running up to four activities a day for residents.
Gwen is a trained nurse from Acocks Green who has extensive managerial
experience of working in this area of healthcare.
She has a number of Irish connections, her late husband was from Cork
and her grandfather hailed from Kerry.
She also spent time working in Ireland. Prior to joining Sunrise she
worked with Southern Cross Health-care but before that she worked with
people with Alzheimers and dementia at St Luke's Home in Cork.
Speaking about her new role Gwen said: "Even though they are living
with Alzheimers and dementia it is our aim they live pleasant days.
We want to make sure we can meet their physical, psychological and
emotional needs, not just to provide a safe environment.
"They will be encouraged to continue their own routines and life
skills and to go out and socialise.
"We have got our own minibus and can go out and about - anywhere
from the Black Country Museum to Weston or Blackpool.
"If Mrs Smith has been going to the theatre once a month let's
keep it going - that's my attitude."
Gwen added that the Sunrise approach, characterised by high staffing
levels, will enable staff to spend time with individuals.
"The Sunrise concept gives us the time and resources to do things
properly. We can spend time with clients. This is the way it should
be and everyone should be provided with this standard of care."
The Sunrise Reminiscence will initially be catering for 23 people,
though it has the capacity to provide care for 33 in total.
Comparing it to her time in Ireland Gwen said it is very different.
She left Cork as St Luke's had to be rebuilt because of new regulations
but believes Sunrise's approach to care for people with Alzheimers
and dementia would be well received in Ireland.
"Ireland is very much on the radar. Having nursed there I know
facilities are very limited. I think they are behind us a bit - a good
reason for us to go there."
*To find out more about the Reminiscence unit at Sunrise or its general
assisted living accom-modation for the elderly can call in at Dog Kennel
Lane, Shirley, between 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday, or 9am-5pm on weekends.
Telephone: 0121 733 4960.
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