
THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW
Highlighting best practice
2| THE SOUTHEND-ON-SEA DARBY & JOAN ORGANISATION
dementia, as their existing confusion
and anxiety can be compounded by
an unpleasantly alien environment.
Getting the environment right is
therefore more than just an additional
detail; it’s a central and critical
component of ourservice.
In terms of improving our environment,
we were awarded funding from the
Department of Health to create a
dementia garden, which, as evidence
has shown, can have a very positive
impact on lives. In addition to this, we
are upgrading the properties’ interiors
in line with best-practice developments
taking place across the sector.
An example of our commitment to
continue to educate on Dementia is
our recently implemented “Dementia
Friends” sessions. Working in
partnership with Dementia Friends
Champions, we aim to increase
understanding of dementia among
staff and relatives to enable them to
support residents on what is often a
very difficult journey. Furthermore, in
addition to bringing the community
into the homes we believe that
residents should be free to continue to
experience the outside world as much
as possible, despite their move into a
care home. As part of this approach,
we support them to access local parks
cafés and other community activities.
This latter initiative has resulted in a lot
of positive feedback for us.
The environment should also be
pleasant for our staff. Making sure
they are happy will ensure they
perform their duties with greater
enthusiasm, thereby also helping
those we care for. Whenever
circumstances permit, we seek to
increase pay, improve skills, put in
place incentive schemes and improve
their surroundings. By investing in our
staff like this, we let them know that
they are valued.
Training, of course, is particularly
necessary for supporting those who
live with dementia. The issues posed
by dementia are both challenging
and unique. One is not born with a
knowledge of how to handle these
Some of the team at
Darby & Joan
Registered Manager
Jackie Lim with resident
of St Martins
An example of
our
commitment
to continue to
educate on
Dementia is
our recently
implemented
“Dementia
Friends”
sessions
“
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