Recognising that we are living longer, and in an effort to ensure the best possible care and attention for residents, a number of staff of Haylie House Residential Care Home in Largs recently completed a course focusing on Best Practice in Dementia Care.

Fourteen staff completed the course which was facilitated by Alexa McKinnon, Depute Manager at Haylie House Residential Care Home. Alexa had previously completed a Dementia Facilitators Course at University of Stirling's Dementia Services Development Centre, enabling Alexa to deliver the Best Practice in Dementia Care qualification to staff within the care home. The course, which was completed over a six month period, and included six modules, was marked externally and is accredited by the Royal College of Nursing and City & Guilds, and is on the SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework). The education will allow staff a greater understanding and knowledge of dementia, and as a result, encourage better interaction with residents showing signs of dementia, and positive engagement with family and local support networks.

Haylie House Residential Care Home, which is home to 26 residents, celebrated 55 years of high quality care for the elderly last year. A further eight members of staff will commence the Best Practice in Dementia Care training in May, helping to equip staff to ensure the continued wellbeing and support of those in their care.

Graham Hart, Haylie House Residential Care Home Trustee, who retired from Social Services (Older People Services), North Ayrshire Council, after 19 years as Resource Co-ordinator, Dementia Services, welcomed the staff training and said: "The prevalence of dementia is rising, and this training will allow staff of Haylie House to better understand the resident's needs and wishes, and work together as a team to ensure the best possible standard of care for the residents of Haylie House Residential Care Home.

"I congratulate all staff who have qualified and wish those about to undertake the qualification every success."