Community Integrated Care Shares Insights at Scottish Dementia Congress

Community Integrated Care was proud to present at the Scottish Caring and Dementia Congress at Murrayfield earlier this month, delivering a workshop in collaboration with the Care Inspectorate on improving continence care.

The presentation, which explored how a person-centred culture and strong NHS partnerships can promote good continence, was given by Julie Cowen, Regional Manager for Scotland and Shirley McTier, Service Manager at Carlingwark Care Home in Dumfries and Galloway.

Carlingwark has recently been recognised both locally and nationally for their high standards of continence care, winning the National Dementia Award for Best Dementia Continence Care. With only 33% of residents at Carlingwark using continence products, compared to national average of 72% in dementia care homes, the home has set a benchmark for excellent continence care.

Julie and Shirley also discussed the how ongoing training and mentoring of staff is vital to achieving high standards, and how a positive living environment can support the independence and wellbeing of those with dementia. Also essential to the high standards achieved at Carlingwark has been detailed and regular assessments, which are maintained throughout a resident’s time at the service.

The workshop sees Community Integrated Care maintain excellent links with the Care Inspectorate, with Julie and Shirley collaborating with them for further workshops throughout Scotland this year. Additionally, they are part of a group who, alongside the Care Inspectorate, the NHS and other experts in the field, are developing a publication for care services across Scotland, which will provide best practice and guidance on continence care for those with dementia.