27 March 2009

An East Anglian based care agency has reacted to a harrowing documentary, broadcast on ITV this week (23rd March), which saw actor Kevin Whatley campaigning for improved care for dementia sufferers.

Christies Care, a leading registered agency providing 24 hour live-in care help to the elderly and people with disabilities has spoken of its commitment to dementia training for its care assistants. The ITV documentary, which was broadcast as part of the ‘Tonight’ series, discussed the need for more training for medical staff, more support for carers and the need for an increase in the availability of anti-dementia drugs.

Over 80 of Christies Care clients have dementia and the company has emphasised the importance of knowing how to care for their needs.

Nicola Warner, managing director of Christies Care said; “It is estimated that there are more than 700,000 dementia sufferers across the UK. Many are unable to cope and feel that there is no alternative but to move into a care home. The option of live-in care allows people to stay in a place where they feel comfortable, and we have made a commitment to ensuring that our carers are fully trained when looking after clients suffering from dementia.”

Training manager at Christies Care, Alison Hawkins added; “We have made a real investment in the training of our care assistants and over the past year have worked closely with The Alzheimer’s Society to develop a number of training courses regarding dementia-related illnesses. “

Christies Care has been running a one-day introduction to dementia course for its care assistants but as part of its 2009 plans has announced a two-day workshop due to take place in July, which will go into more detail and will allow care assistants to improve their skills in working with sufferers. This two-day workshop finishes with the care assistants completing an examination paper which is sent to the Alzheimer’s Society for marking and their accreditation.

Christies Care is an accredited OCR centre for health and social care training and is a British Institute of Learning Disability (BILD) satellite training centre. The company has invested in modern training facilities and accommodation for care assistants whilst they train at its Saxmundham base in Suffolk.

The next dementia training course will take place on Tuesday 7th April, with a repeat session held in May. For more information about Christies Care, telephone 0844 477 6460 or visit www.christiescare.com