Susan

Hi Janey, I am in a secure Dementia Unit. Our residents LOVE cheese balls. We also alternate the focus - sometimes it is Bubbles (sparking wine), sometimes different beers, or sherry. We usually hold it on a verandah (however we are in North Queensland). We try to limit the numbers to about 15 as this helps encourage good social interaction. It is very popular and residents attending decide on the next happy hours focus.

We have a bus stop in our secure dementia unit. It works well and has been very useful over the years. It is on a cement pathway, with a fenced car park in sight, so cars can be seen coming and going. Ours gets a bit of shade as well. Residents seem to get a lot of comfort in sitting there, it gives them a feeling of purpose to find it and after a while are easy to redirect to come in for a drink.

We have had a sensory room for about ten years. It has evolved, however it is much used and loved by our residents. We are a 70 bed high care facility and it is used for many different purposes by the residents. One resident uses it as a place to listen to his Italian opera, another always goes there when her daughter visits. It is great place for residents to relax and calm down and is a big part of our sundowning program. We have never had a big budget, the cheap shops and our imagination have been our greatest resources. However as it is popular a couple of big ticket items (massage chair, bubble tube, corner mirrors, comfy couch, coloured light projector) have been donated. Happy to answer any questions. I will see if I can attach a image.

Hi Dorothy,
I also work in Queensland and we have our own organizations ratios that we work with. I have not heard of any actual laws or legislations that apply. would love some more information.

There are a lot of things we must comply with but my high car residents with dementia love going out, so it is worth the effort.

Regards,

Sue