SOUTHPORT: WORK STARTS ON PHASE TWO OF “THE UK’S MOST ADVANCED DEMENTIA CARE CENTRE”, BIRCH ABBEY.

BIRCH ABBEY

DEMENTIA CARE SERVICE

PRESS RELEASE

September 6, 2010.

SOUTHPORT: WORK STARTS ON PHASE TWO OF “THE UK’S MOST ADVANCED DEMENTIA CARE CENTRE”, BIRCH ABBEY.

Photos here.

Work has started on Phase Two of what has already been hailed as the UK’s most advanced new dementia care facility, Birch Abbey (www.ipersonally.co.uk), Southport.

Just weeks after the “new” £5 million Birch Abbey opened in Alexandra Road, Southport, Dan Lingard, chief executive of the centre’s owner, iPersonally, gave the go-ahead to demolish the original building which will be replaced by a further extension.

“The response and level of interest locally has been phenomenal – we are having to ramp up and bring forward our recruitment campaign because Phase One has been so successful,” said Dan Lingard.

“The beauty of ‘new’ Birch Abbey is that not only is it considered to be at least the best dementia care centre in the region from our clients’ perspective, it is also a fabulous place to work.

“In supporting and caring for our clients, the Birch Abbey team themselves are supported by cutting edge technology and features and facilities never combined together anywhere else in the dementia care sector.

“From the start we designed-in features and facilities – both big and small – that will make a tremendous difference to the lives and lifestyles of our community at Birch Abbey – as well as the team,” said Dan Lingard.

“Crucial amongst issues important for our clients and the basic facilities such as hygiene, health, diet, comfort and security – but what’s important TO our clients are the things that make them feel comfortable and relaxed, as well as the all-important opportunities to provide physical and mental exercise and stimulation.”

Amongst others, facilities include a dance studio, a pub and bistro, a whole series of movements and interaction between clients and families, including a unique home-style family kitchen and dining room which can be reserved for family events and occasions.

Other facilities include three types of assisted bathrooms, centre-wide and in-room technology, and bedrooms which can be configured in a number of formats depending upon the needs and mobility of the individual.

“We also have a training and education facility and a technology suite which enables us to train and develop carers, care professionals and families to assist both in Birch Abbey and at home,” said Dan.

Experienced dementia care support staff at Birch Abbey can provide advice to families, carers and friends of people with dementia. The helpline number is 01704 410010.

Ends

Further information;

Iain Macauley

Pressrelations.co.uk

+44(0)161 929 0446

+44(0)7788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk www.ipersonally.co.uk

http://birchabbey.blogspot.com/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pressrelations/sets/72157623968229359/

SOUTHPORT: SEPTEMBER RECRUITMENT OPEN DAYS AT BIRCH ABBEY AS JOB CREATION IS BROUGHT FORWARD

BIRCH ABBEY

DEMENTIA CARE SERVICE

PRESS RELEASE

September 1, 2010.

SOUTHPORT: SEPTEMBER RECRUITMENT OPEN DAYS AT BIRCH ABBEY AS JOB CREATION IS BROUGHT FORWARD.

Photos here.

Southport’s Birch Abbey, hailed as one of the most advanced dementia care centres in the UK, is to bring forward recruitment plans by eight weeks after strong take up of rooms in the new £5 million centre.

Just three weeks after the “new” Birch Abbey opened in Alexandra Road, Southport, Dan Lingard, chief executive of the centre’s owner, iPersonally, gave the go-ahead to demolish the original building, which will be replaced by a further extension – and to advance recruitment plans.

“We’re so delighted with our new home that we’re going to have open days in September so that prospective team members – whether experienced in the care sector, or, like some of our team, from completely unrelated backgrounds – can see at first hand what a fabulous working environment we have.

(Watch video – team response to new working conditions).

(Watch video – team member talks about joining from non-care background).

“The beauty of ‘new’ Birch Abbey is that not only is it considered to be at least the best dementia care centre in the region from our clients’ perspective, it is also a fabulous place to work.

“In supporting and caring for our clients, the Birch Abbey team themselves are supported by cutting edge technology and at least ten features and facilities never combined together anywhere else in the dementia care sector.

“From the start we designed-in features and facilities – both big and small – that will make a tremendous difference to the lives and lifestyles of our community at Birch Abbey – and the team.

“Crucial amongst issues important for our clients and the basic facilities such as hygiene, health, diet, comfort and security – but what’s important TO our clients are the things that make them feel comfortable and relaxed, as well as the all-important opportunities to provide physical and mental exercise and stimulation.”

Facilities include a dance studio, a pub and bistro, locations for a whole series of movements and interaction between clients and families, including a unique home-style family kitchen and dining room which can be reserved for family events and occasions.

But key is in-room technology and vital-signs sensors meaning clients don’t have to be disturbed while they’re asleep, bedrooms which can be configured in a number of formats depending upon the needs and mobility of the individual, and which also help make team members far more efficient and able to spend more quality time with clients and families.

Experienced dementia care support professionals, and prospective team members from other walks of life can call 01704 410010 to get full details of the open day.

Ends

Further information;

Iain Macauley

Pressrelations.co.uk

+44(0)161 929 0446

+44(0)7788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk www.ipersonally.co.uk

http://birchabbey.blogspot.com/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pressrelations/sets/72157623968229359/

SOUTHPORT: WORK STARTS ON PHASE TWO OF “THE UK’S MOST ADVANCED DEMENTIA CARE CENTRE”

BIRCH ABBEY

DEMENTIA CARE SERVICE

PRESS RELEASE

September 6, 2010.

SOUTHPORT: WORK STARTS ON PHASE TWO OF “THE UK’S MOST ADVANCED DEMENTIA CARE CENTRE”, BIRCH ABBEY.

Photos here.

Work has started on Phase Two of what has already been hailed as the UK’s most advanced new dementia care facility, Birch Abbey (www.ipersonally.co.uk), Southport.

Just weeks after the “new” £5 million Birch Abbey opened in Alexandra Road, Southport, Dan Lingard, chief executive of the centre’s owner, iPersonally, gave the go-ahead to demolish the original building which will be replaced by a further extension.

“The response and level of interest locally has been phenomenal – we are having to ramp up and bring forward our recruitment campaign because Phase One has been so successful,” said Dan Lingard.

“The beauty of ‘new’ Birch Abbey is that not only is it considered to be at least the best dementia care centre in the region from our clients’ perspective, it is also a fabulous place to work.

“In supporting and caring for our clients, the Birch Abbey team themselves are supported by cutting edge technology and features and facilities never combined together anywhere else in the dementia care sector.

“From the start we designed-in features and facilities – both big and small – that will make a tremendous difference to the lives and lifestyles of our community at Birch Abbey – as well as the team,” said Dan Lingard.

“Crucial amongst issues important for our clients and the basic facilities such as hygiene, health, diet, comfort and security – but what’s important TO our clients are the things that make them feel comfortable and relaxed, as well as the all-important opportunities to provide physical and mental exercise and stimulation.”

Amongst others, facilities include a dance studio, a pub and bistro, a whole series of movements and interaction between clients and families, including a unique home-style family kitchen and dining room which can be reserved for family events and occasions.

Other facilities include three types of assisted bathrooms, centre-wide and in-room technology, and bedrooms which can be configured in a number of formats depending upon the needs and mobility of the individual.

“We also have a training and education facility and a technology suite which enables us to train and develop carers, care professionals and families to assist both in Birch Abbey and at home,” said Dan.

Experienced dementia care support staff at Birch Abbey can provide advice to families, carers and friends of people with dementia. The helpline number is 01704 410010.

Ends

Further information;

Iain Macauley

Pressrelations.co.uk

+44(0)161 929 0446

+44(0)7788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk www.ipersonally.co.uk

http://birchabbey.blogspot.com/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pressrelations/sets/72157623968229359/

SOUTHPORT: SEPT 10 AND 11 RECRUITMENT OPEN DAYS AT BIRCH ABBEY AS JOB CREATION IS BROUGHT FORWARD.

BIRCH ABBEY

DEMENTIA CARE SERVICE

PRESS RELEASE

September 1, 2010.

SOUTHPORT: SEPT 10 AND 11 RECRUITMENT OPEN DAYS AT BIRCH ABBEY AS JOB CREATION IS BROUGHT FORWARD.

Photos here.

Southport’s Birch Abbey, hailed as one of the most advanced dementia care centres in the UK, is to bring forward recruitment plans by eight weeks after strong take up of rooms in the new £5 million centre.

Just three weeks after the “new” Birch Abbey opened in Alexandra Road, Southport, Dan Lingard, chief executive of the centre’s owner, iPersonally, gave the go-ahead to demolish the original building, which will be replaced by a further extension – and to advance recruitment plans.

“We’re so delighted with our new home that we’re going to throw an open day on Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11 so that prospective team members – whether experienced in the care sector, or, like some of our team, from completely unrelated backgrounds – can see at first hand what a fabulous working environment we have.

(Watch video – team response to new working conditions).

(Watch video – team member talks about joining from non-care background).

“The beauty of ‘new’ Birch Abbey is that not only is it considered to be at least the best dementia care centre in the region from our clients’ perspective, it is also a fabulous place to work.

“In supporting and caring for our clients, the Birch Abbey team themselves are supported by cutting edge technology and at least ten features and facilities never combined together anywhere else in the dementia care sector.

“From the start we designed-in features and facilities – both big and small – that will make a tremendous difference to the lives and lifestyles of our community at Birch Abbey – and the team.

“Crucial amongst issues important for our clients and the basic facilities such as hygiene, health, diet, comfort and security – but what’s important TO our clients are the things that make them feel comfortable and relaxed, as well as the all-important opportunities to provide physical and mental exercise and stimulation.”

Facilities include a dance studio, a pub and bistro, locations for a whole series of movements and interaction between clients and families, including a unique home-style family kitchen and dining room which can be reserved for family events and occasions.

But key is in-room technology and vital-signs sensors meaning clients don’t have to be disturbed while they’re asleep, bedrooms which can be configured in a number of formats depending upon the needs and mobility of the individual, and which also help make team members far more efficient and able to spend more quality time with clients and families.

Experienced dementia care support professionals, and prospective team members from other walks of life can call 01704 410010 to get full details of the open day.

Ends

Further information;

Iain Macauley

Pressrelations.co.uk

+44(0)161 929 0446

+44(0)7788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk www.ipersonally.co.uk

http://birchabbey.blogspot.com/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pressrelations/sets/72157623968229359/

TWELVE JOBS CREATED AT SOUTHPORT’S BIRCH ABBEY, THE UK ’S “MOST ADVANCED DEMENTIA CARE CENTRE”.

BIRCH ABBEY

DEMENTIA CARE SERVICE

PRESS RELEASE

July 21, 2010.

TWELVE JOBS CREATED AT SOUTHPORT’S BIRCH ABBEY, THE UK ’S “MOST ADVANCED DEMENTIA CARE CENTRE”.

Photos and videos here.

Twelve new roles have been created at what is said to be the UK’s most advanced care facility for people living with dementia, the iPersonally Centre at Birch Abbey, Southport (www.iPersonally.co.uk).

Birch Abbey has moved next door into a new £5 million building on Alexandra Road, Southport, and is recruiting experienced senior grade carers as well those new to the care sector but who have “a positive personality and attitude”.

“New team members will have a unique career opportunity to become specialists in the much-needed field of dementia care services – and Southport and its surrounding area has care running through the genes of its people, so we intend to recruit locally,” said Dan Lingard, Chief Executive and founder of Birch Abbey owner iPersonally.

“At Birch Abbey there’s a number of features and facilities, from technology to activities, never combined anywhere else in the dementia care sector – underpinned by a unique approach and attitude, plus the introduction of our unique day care service.

“It is a fantastic environment for our clients, which makes it a fantastic environment for our team. We have the very best dementia care team in the region and now we have the best environment in which to live and work.

“Right now we have full-time, part-time and ‘bank-work’ opportunities for senior carers, care assistants and care apprentices – it's a great career, for anyone, at any age, so long as they bring a positive and can-do attitude. We’ll provide all the required training and support in our own training centre. We also have opportunities in catering, cleaning, laundry and administration.

“Key to their roles is recognising what is important TO our clients and their families, as well as what is important FOR our clients. That’s a subtle difference, but extremely important.

“Our motto is ‘things to do, places to go, people to see’ – and that sums up a key element of delaying or at least mitigating as much as possible the onset of dementia: keeping busy and active. If mind and body are kept active, then the onset may be slowed; at the very least life is focused on what we can do and what we can enjoy and our carers and their personalities are crucial to delivering that experience for each of our clients and their families.

“To support our team we are building our own training and education facility with a technology suite which enables us to train and develop our team, as well as care professionals from around the region and, hopefully, family carers who are interested to learn more,” said Dan.

Ends

Further information;

Iain Macauley

Pressrelations.co.uk

+44(0)161 929 0446

+44(0)7788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk www.ipersonally.co.uk

http://birchabbey.blogspot.com/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pressrelations/sets/72157623968229359/

Southport Visiter reports Birch Abbey's £5m extension

http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/southport-news/southport-southport-news/2010/07/02/a-5m-dementia-care-home-is-set-to-open-in-southport-101022-26768006/

CHICKENS FIRST IN AS PIONEERING SOUTHPORT DEMENTIA CARE HOME MOVE STARTS.

BIRCH ABBEY

DEMENTIA CARE SERVICE

PRESS RELEASE

June 29, 2010.

CHICKENS FIRST IN AS PIONEERING SOUTHPORT DEMENTIA CARE HOME MOVE STARTS.

Photos and video available.

The big move is on as Phase One of the UK’s most advanced dementia care facility, the iPersonally Memory Centre at Birch Abbey, Southport, is completed – and the first in on Wednesday, June 30, will be a brood of chickens (watch video).

The £5 million Alexandra Road care home – which will provide a service to the whole of Merseyside - features a range of facilities, up to 60 beds, and an approach to dementia care not previously seen in the UK.

The Birch Abbey team will start to move clients from the old building to the new purpose-built facility during the last week in June 2010, and once everybody has been installed the original building will be demolished and replaced by a second new structure, providing more beds, plus offices and admin.

“The first residents will actually be several chickens – they’re an important part of our community, and a clear illustration of the approach we’ll be taking at the new Birch Abbey and which was pioneered and developed at the original Birch Abbey,” said Dan Lingard, chief executive.

“We may have technology and facilities never before seen in a UK dementia care home, but it is the pioneering approach – acknowledged and documented across the care sector - that makes us truly different.

“Getting people with dementia using their minds and muscles – even in seemingly small ways – can have a massively positive effect.

“We’re creating a ‘living sensory garden’ – the chickens draw residents out into the garden, they provide a talking point; what’s more, our patients collect the eggs, make cakes or biscuits and talk about what they’re doing amongst themselves and to their family members providing valuable mental stimulus.

“Our new and expanded Birch Abbey will be a revolution in care services. To us it just felt right that Southport with its long tradition as a caring community should lead this revolution and the birth of a new era in care.”

Ends

Further information;

Iain Macauley

Pressrelations.co.uk

+44(0)161 929 0446

+44(0)7788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk www.ipersonally.co.uk

SOUTHPORT: BIRCH ABBEY LAUNCHES DEMENTIA DAY CAR CLUB

BIRCH ABBEY

DEMENTIA CARE SERVICE

PRESS RELEASE

June 18, 2010.

SOUTHPORT: BIRCH ABBEY LAUNCHES DEMENTIA DAY CARE CLUB.

The iPersonally Care Centre at Birch Abbey, Southport, has launched a day care club for people with dementia.

The £5 million Alexandra Road care home features a range of facilities, up to 60 beds - and an approach to dementia care not previously seen in the UK. But the expanded site and vast range of new facilities means the centre now has capacity for day care clients.

“There is massive demand for day care in and around Southport, and we had a huge waiting list - but we previously had very little capacity for day care clients. However, the new and expanded Birch Abbey has far more space and resource and is geared to offer day care places, with packages ranging from a single hour to full day care,” said Dan Lingard, chief executive.

“This means we can provide planned and scheduled by-the-hour or by-the-day day care for families who have known or regular schedules, or short-notice ad-hoc support for carers or families who find themselves with an urgent or emergency need.

“The day care clients get access to a range of services and facilities – five garden areas, eight recreational rooms, plus essential support services and the highly-experienced Birch Abbey team.

“Rather than simply gearing the new Birch Abbey to provide basic food, hygiene and life care for clients, we have designed in - from scratch - technology, accommodation, entertainment, social interaction and a broad range of care services and features that have never been seen together under one roof in the care industry.

“But, crucially, this is not just about a building – it is about a new, fresh, attitude to dementia care, service and support.”

Ends

Further information;

Iain Macauley

PressRelations.co.uk

+44(0)161 929 0446

+44(0)7788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk www.ipersonally.co.uk

http://birchabbey.blogspot.com/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pressrelations/sets/72157623968229359/

NEVER-BEFORE-COMBINED DEMENTIA CARE FACILITIES GIVE BIRCH ABBEY “A TEN”.

BIRCH ABBEY DEMENTIA CARE

DEMENTIA CARE SERVICE

PRESS RELEASE

May 24, 2010.

NEVER-BEFORE-COMBINED DEMENTIA CARE FACILITIES GIVE BIRCH ABBEY “A TEN”.

Photos here http://www.flickr.com/photos/pressrelations/sets/72157623968229359/

The chief executive of the UK’s most advanced new dementia care facility, Birch Abbey (www.ipersonally.co.uk), Southport, says he believes clients and their families will give the facility ten out of ten.

Dan Lingard, who has driven through the £5 million expansion of Birch Abbey in Alexandra Road, Southport, says there’s at least ten features and facilities never combined anywhere else in the dementia care sector – underpinned by a unique approach and attitude – plus the introduction of a day care service.

“From the start we designed-in features and facilities – both big and small – that will make a tremendous difference to the lives and lifestyles of our community at Birch Abbey,” said Dan Lingard.

“Key is recognising what is important TO our clients and their families, as well as what is important FOR our clients. That’s a subtle difference, but extremely important.

“Crucial amongst issues important for our clients and the basic facilities such as hygiene, health, diet, comfort and security – but what’s important TO our clients are the things that make them feel comfortable and relaxed, as well as the all-important opportunities to provide physical and mental exercise and stimulation.

“Our motto is ‘things to do, places to go, people to see’ – and that sums up a key element of delaying the onset of dementia. If mind and body are kept active, then the onset may be slowed.

“In terms of the advanced facilities and features, we have five garden areas and eight recreational rooms and bistros.

Amongst others, “things to do” include a dance studio, “places to go” include a a pub and bistro, and “people to see” revolves around a whole series of movements and interaction between clients and families, including a unique home-style family kitchen and dining room which can be reserved for family events and occasions.

Other facilities include three types of assisted bathrooms, in-room technology and sensors meaning clients don’t have to be disturbed while they’re asleep, bedrooms which can be configured in a number of formats depending upon the needs and mobility of the individual.

“We also have a training and education facility and a technology suite which enables us to train and develop carers, care professionals and families to assist both in Birch Abbey and at home,” said Dan.

“Our new and expanded Birch Abbey is a revolution in care services. To us it just felt right that Southport with its long tradition as a caring community should lead this revolution and the birth of a new era in care.

“Birch Abbey currently has accommodation for 18 clients, but without having to close our doors, we are completely rebuilding so that we will be able to accommodate 60 clients, and rather than simply gearing it to provide basic food, hygiene and life care for clients, we have designed-in - from scratch - technology, accommodation, entertainment, social interaction and a broad range of care services and features that have never been seen together under one roof in the care industry.

“But, crucially, this is not just about a building – it is about an attitude to dementia care, service and support.”

Ends

Further information;

Iain Macauley

Pressrelations.co.uk

+44(0)161 929 0446

+44(0)7788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk www.ipersonally.co.uk

http://birchabbey.blogspot.com/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pressrelations/sets/72157623968229359/

SOUTHPORT: NEVER-BEFORE-COMBINED DEMENTIA CARE FACILITIES GIVE BIRCH ABBEY “A TEN”.

iPERSONALLY

DEMENTIA CARE SERVICE

PRESS RELEASE

May 10, 2010.

SOUTHPORT: NEVER-BEFORE-COMBINED DEMENTIA CARE FACILITIES GIVE BIRCH ABBEY “A TEN”.

The chief executive of the UK’s most advanced new dementia care facility, the iPersonally Memory Centre at Birch Abbey, Southport, says he believes clients and their families will give the facility ten out of ten.

Dan Lingard, who has driven through the £5 million expansion of Birch Abbey in Alexandra Road, Southport, says there’s at least ten features and facilities never combined anywhere else in the dementia care sector – underpinned by a unique approach and attitude – plus the introduction of a day care service.

“From the start we designed-in features and facilities – both big and small – that will make a tremendous difference to the lives and lifestyles of our community at Birch Abbey,” said Dan Lingard.

“Key is recognising what is important TO our clients and their families, as well as what is important FOR our clients. That’s a subtle difference, but extremely important.

“Crucial amongst issues important for our clients and the basic facilities such as hygiene, health, diet, comfort and security – but what’s important TO our clients are the things that make them feel comfortable and relaxed, as well as the all-important opportunities to provide physical and mental exercise and stimulation.

“Our motto is ‘things to do, places to go, people to see’ – and that sums up a key element of delaying the onset of dementia. If mind and body are kept active, then the onset may be slowed.

“In terms of the advanced facilities and features, we have five garden areas and eight recreational rooms and bistros.

Amongst others, “things to do” include a dance studio, “places to go” include a a pub and bistro, and “people to see” revolves around a whole series of movements and interaction between clients and families, including a unique home-style family kitchen and dining room which can be reserved for family events and occasions.

Other facilities include three types of assisted bathrooms, in-room technology and sensors meaning clients don’t have to be disturbed while they’re asleep, bedrooms which can be configured in a number of formats depending upon the needs and mobility of the individual.

“We also have a training and education facility and a technology suite which enables us to train and develop carers, care professionals and families to assist both in Birch Abbey and at home,” said Dan.

“Our new and expanded Birch Abbey is a revolution in care services. To us it just felt right that Southport with its long tradition as a caring community should lead this revolution and the birth of a new era in care.

“Birch Abbey currently has accommodation for 18 clients, but without having to close our doors, we are completely rebuilding so that we will be able to accommodate 60 clients, and rather than simply gearing it to provide basic food, hygiene and life care for clients, we have designed-in - from scratch - technology, accommodation, entertainment, social interaction and a broad range of care services and features that have never been seen together under one roof in the care industry.

“But, crucially, this is not just about a building – it is about an attitude to dementia care, service and support.”

At the heart of iPersonally is the belief that technology must be better harnessed to support people with dementia, their carers and wider support network.

Dan Lingard is a former software developer working with IBM and the BBC. He says much-misunderstood dementia needs to be fought, and people with the condition, and their family and friends, supported and inspired rather than simply have their basic needs attended to.

Ends

Further information;

Iain Macauley

Pressrelations.co.uk

+44(0)161 929 0446

+44(0)7788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk www.ipersonally.co.uk

CHICKENS FIRST IN AS PIONEERING SOUTHPORT DEMENTIA CARE HOME MOVE STARTS.

iPERSONALLY

DEMENTIA CARE SERVICE

PRESS RELEASE

April 26, 2010.

CHICKENS FIRST IN AS PIONEERING SOUTHPORT DEMENTIA CARE HOME MOVE STARTS.

The big move is on as Phase One of the UK’s most advanced dementia care facility, the iPersonally Memory Centre at Birch Abbey, Southport, is completed – and the first in will be a brood of chickens.

The £5 million Alexandra Road care home – which will provide a service to the whole of Merseyside - features a range of facilities, up to 60 beds, and an approach to dementia care not previously seen in the UK.

The Birch Abbey team will start to move clients from the old building to the new purpose-built facility at the end of April, and once everybody has been installed the original building will be demolished and replaced by a second new structure, providing more beds, plus offices and admin.

“The first residents will actually be several chickens – they’re an important part of our community, and a clear illustration of the approach we’ll be taking at the new Birch Abbey and which was pioneered and developed at the original Birch Abbey,” said Dan Lingard, chief executive.

“We may have technology and facilities never before seen in a UK dementia care home, but it is the pioneering approach – acknowledged and documented across the care sector - that makes us truly different.

“Getting people with dementia using their minds and muscles – even in seemingly small ways – can have a massively positive effect.

“We’re creating a ‘living sensory garden’ – the chickens draw residents out into the garden, they provide a talking point; what’s more, our patients collect the eggs, make cakes or biscuits and talk about what they’re doing amongst themselves and to their family members providing valuable mental stimulus.

“Our new and expanded Birch Abbey will be a revolution in care services. To us it just felt right that Southport with its long tradition as a caring community should lead this revolution and the birth of a new era in care.

“Birch Abbey currently has accommodation for 18 clients, but without having to close our doors, we are completely rebuilding so that we will be able to accommodate 60 clients, and rather than simply gearing it to provide basic food, hygiene and life care for clients, we have designed in - from scratch - technology, accommodation, entertainment, social interaction and a broad range of care services and features that have never been seen together under one roof in the care industry.

“But, crucially, this is not just about a building – it is about an attitude to dementia care, service and support.”

At the heart of iPersonally is the belief that technology must be better harnessed to support people with dementia, their carers and wider support network.

Dan Lingard is a former software developer working with IBM and the BBC. He says much-misunderstood dementia needs to be fought, and people with the condition, and their family and friends, supported and inspired rather than simply have their basic needs attended to.

Ends

Further information;

Iain Macauley

Pressrelations.co.uk

+44(0)161 929 0446

+44(0)7788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk www.ipersonally.co.uk