Derwentside Dementia Care Centre is a key element of dementia care provision in County Durham, providing a specialised clinical environment that provides a pathway of care for people who are experiencing dementia – mild, moderate and severe. The centre is located close to local amenities and transport links on Durham Road in Blackhill, Consett, County Durham.
Derwentside Dementia Care Centre is a safe and secure environment accommodating:
A 25 bedded high dependency dementia care unit providing specialised 24-hour nursing care to older people with severe dementia.
A 16 bedded dementia care residential unit providing specialised care and support to people with mild to moderate dementia.
Qualified, highly trained and experienced staff provide individualised nursing and residential care with support that builds upon each person’s abilities and strengths while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.
Wherever possible we work in partnership with the client’s family in gathering information about the client’s life history to support us in delivering personalised care and support to meet each individual’s needs.
A dedicated GP service is provided for all clients by Park House Surgery in Lanchester.(for more information see our Professionals section)
Macmillan Cancer Support funds 2 posts at the centre in a joint working arrangement undertaking research and development to improve the care and treatment of people with cancer and mental illness including dementia. For more information on this partnership with Macmillan see our professionals page.
Activities
The dedicated activities coordinators work with all staff to find out about each client’s hobbies and interests from their life history profile. Relatives and friends are encouraged to participate in activities. Entertainers are invited to the centre on a regular basis. Details of planned events and outings are placed on display. Ministers of all denominations are available to service users upon request. The unit welcomes visits from pets.
The centre is implementing the National Gold Standards Framework for Palliative Care – link to web page www.goldstandardsframework.nhs.uk to raise and maintain high standards of care delivery.
Staff training exceeds Care Quality Commission minimum standards, and care staff are trained to at least NVQ level 3 in Health and Care. Senior staff have been trained at Stirling University to facilitate the delivery of a Royal College of Nursing accredited Dementia care course to staff at the centre. Qualified staff access professional development courses at Teesside University School of Health.
The centre is well equipped and spacious with pleasant and functional communal areas including sensory/relaxation rooms in both units.
There are 2 secure dementia designed gardens with planting areas, bird feeding stations and pleasant seating areas and a secure courtyard with seating.
Nutrition and Dining services
Freshly prepared home cooked food is enjoyed by clients. You will find a daily menu on display at the centre, with at least 2 choices offered at each meal time. Clients are supported to choose their daily meals options by staff where required.
We provide breakfast, lunch, evening meal and supper as well as snacks upon request 24 hours a day.
We understand the contribution that appealing, enjoyable and nutritious meals makes to the health and wellbeing of older people. Our chefs are trained in catering to meet the nutritional needs of older people and are able to provide meals for any special diets.
Bedrooms
Each room has a nurse call system many of which have sensory alarms that can be set to alert staff when a resident gets out of bed if there are concerns about the client being up and about without supervision.
Rooms are fully furnished, although service users are encouraged to bring in their own items to personalise their room.
Service brochure
A detailed service brochure is available on request. Please contact the relevant Service Manager.
