Local Abbeyfield employees receive training on the ‘BrainFit Plan’

The Abbeyfield House Managers who received the training were Ann McGarry, House Manager, Portstewart (8 Lever Road); Caroline Owen, House Manager, Ballycastle (30 Quay Road); and Irene McCotter, House Manager, Ballymoney (1 Trinity Drive).

The training programme was delivered by Dr John Kelly, who is an Education and Learning Consultant, and founder of Fingerprint Learning Ltd. Dr Kelly is based in Bangor, Co. Down.

Geraldine Gilpin, Chief Executive of Abbeyfield UK (NI), said:

“Dementia is an issue which can affect some individuals as they get older. Last year, as part of Abbeyfield’s commitment to catering for the diverse range of residents’ needs and delivering high standards, we initiated staff training in best practice in dementia care. This has allowed staff to recognise at an early stage symptoms associated with dementia.

“To support the ongoing development of our staff and to further increase their understanding of dementia, we conducted research around preventative steps that can be taken to reduce the impact of the condition. It was during this process that we came across the “BrainFit Plan”. We strongly believe that working with our residents to develop their individual plans and helping them to identify activities that they will enjoy will undoubtedly further enhance their overall wellbeing.”

Abbeyfield will be rolling out the “BrainFit Plan” in all 18 of the Abbeyfield Houses** operating in Northern Ireland.

Abbeyfield is a charity providing supported sheltered housing for older people in comfortable, family-style accommodation for seven to ten residents.

Abbeyfield UK (NI) was voted one of the UK’s best sheltered housing schemes last year. The organisation scooped the silver award in the “Best UK Retirement Housing Scheme (under 30 units)” category at the 2011 National Housing for Older People Awards. Run by the Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC), the awards recognise specialist housing schemes which are the best in their field.

For further information on Abbeyfield please contact Abbeyfield’s Head Office on 028 9036 5081, email [email protected] or log onto www.abbeyfieldni.org

For further information on the “BrainFit Plan” log on to www.brainfitplan.com