Bailiff officially opens dementia nursing unit
A NEW dementia nursing unit will help prevent older islanders having to move as their condition progresses.
The Cobo suite was officially opened by Bailiff Sir Richard Collas this week.
The unit is above Maison de Quetteville and alongside Maison L’Aumone.
Methodist Homes for the Aged chairman of directors Clive Falla said the suite started taking people in the summer and was already nearly full.
The group of homes at L’Aumone has 41 residential beds and 29 for people living with dementia.
Mr Falla said it was important that residents are able to stay at the home for as long as possible, so they do not have to go through the stress of moving.
‘The situation we have had in the past is when residents’ needs escalate beyond what they can receive in residential care, they had to move somewhere else, whether that’s to a nursing home or be admitted to hospital,’ he said.
‘But now we have 14 beds where we can provide nursing care, with nurses on duty 24/7. Hopefully this will enable us to provide care to as close to end of life as we possibly can. Families have been very pleased for their loved ones to stay with us longer.’
The main difference between Cobo and Maison de Quetteville is the greater level of nursing care, but it is also specially adapted for older islanders, with oxygen and assisted showers.
Sir Richard cut a cake to officially open the new suite, which he did as part of his first festive visit of the season.
He said it was always a pleasure to visit homes and have a chat with residents.
‘I enjoy meeting the meeting people,’ he said.
‘It’s lovely coming somewhere like here, as there are so many people I have known over the years and who I remember seeing last year. It’s renewing old acquaintances.’
Methodist Homes for the Aged is a registered charity, with volunteer directors. All income is used to fund the ongoing running of the home and improving facilities. The homes are open to Guernsey residents of any faith.
