Courses will help care home staff

Posted on May 6, 2008

Two women from Eaton Bray who have accrued a wealth of knowledge and experience through caring for people with dementia want to pass their skills on to others.

Pat Quartermaine and Fran Taylor have set up a training company called Vivalo, meaning nourishing aliveness, for carers who want to enhance the lives of people with dementia.

Pat and Fran have been working in care, therapy and education for many years and will be co-ordinating their teaching programmes from Eaton Bray.

Pat, who is a qualified State Registered Nurse, said: "Between us we have over 50 years experience in the field. To enhance the quality of life of residents we feel all care staff need to have a practical and theoretical training programme. With the increased number of residents having dementia, understanding their needs and having the confidence to approach with a variety of communication skills and appropriate activities is essential."

State registered art therapist Fran said: "We believe by working with care organisations we can help increase staff motivation and skills."

Workshops will study communication, music and massage, daily living skills, expressive art, craft and movement, life history, drama games and assessing community facilities. Any care homes or individuals interested in the sessions should ring 078 0175 4602 or visit www.vivalo.co.uk

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Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 6 May 2008