Day care centres

The branch has two day care centres based in the east and west of the city. The centres are designated "specialist" by Newcastle Social Services. Everyone who attends day care has a formal diagnosis of dementia.

Day care at Byker Lodge Resource Centre, Bolam Way, Byker in the east of the city is open Monday

to Friday, 9am - 5pm. Telephone: 0191 276 3638. For directions go to: multimap

Day care at Connie Lewcock Resource Centre, West Denton Road, Lemington in the west of the city is open Monday to Saturday, 9am - 5pm. Telephone: 0191 267 0198. For directions go to: multimap

Day care provides support and stimulation to service users with complex needs across all age ranges. Most people are collected and returned by minibus and accompanied by fully trained day care officers.

Staff and philosophy of care

There is one Day Care Centre Manager and one Assistant Day Care Centre Manager. The staff to client ratio is high, 1:4. Each person attending day care has a key worker who is responsible for their assessment and care planning.

Emphasis is placed on developing a real knowledge of each person as an individual and building on existing strengths, whilst acknowledging areas of need. Carers and social workers are encouraged to be part of this initial process and subsequent reviews of the service.

Staff training

Staff training is an on-going process. It involves one to one coaching, mentoring and group sessions. It is devised and delivered wherever possible to relate to the underpinning knowledge requirements of NVQ (Level II).

All training is linked to the special needs of people with dementia, e.g. in relation to communication or activity planning. Statutory training such as moving and handling, first aid etc, is delivered by accredited external providers. New developments are covered by ad hoc sessions.