Avery on BBC West Midlands
Listen to Heather Perkins, Avery’s Dementia Support Advisor, speak to BBC Radio West Midlands on everything our care homes have been doing during the coronavirus pandemic, particularly to help support residents living with dementia and their families.
In honour of World Alzheimer’s Day, Heather spoke of the many incredible ways Avery have been allowing their residents to stay in contact with their families whilst physical visits are limited. She says social media has proven to be a powerful way of staying connected for residents and their families. Skype, a great established method of communication for Avery residents and their far-flung family members, has also been an invaluable tool for keeping in touch during the pandemic. Facebook has also proved an effective form of connection for families; with each care home having their own Facebook page, family members can keep up to date with what their loved ones are up to daily.
Heather also speaks of the importance of building meaningful relationships between staff members and residents and says Avery’s ‘story boards’ have helped with this. The boards are a “reminder of the person’s life” and are a remarkable way for staff to “put in place supportive ways to work with residents”.
