Until recently Kirkby residents with dementia had to travel to facilities in Liverpool and surrounding areas to receive care and support. Staff and residents are now celebrating after Kirkby House in Kirkby achieved registration to care for up to 10 residents suffering from dementia or related conditions.

Up until the opening of the facility last month there was no provision for care of this kind in the Kirkby area and often people were referred to Liverpool creating visiting problems for relatives.

Dementia and other conditions relating to confusion such as Alzheimer’s disease are an increasing problem amongst the elderly with 3 people in every 100 over the age of 65 developing symptoms. This figure rises to 10-15 people in every 100 over the age of 80 being affected. These conditions are characterized by a gradual decline in mental ability and the symptoms differ from individual to individual.

Kirkby House Home Manager Madeline Ward commented, ‘We are delighted to offer this higher level of care to our residents as there is a much needed demand for Elderly Mentally Infirm (EMI) care in the area. Our staff have received specialist training from the Alzheimer’s Society to provide the support and care this vulnerable group require’

Ends.

Photographs show: Madeleine Ward, Home Manager

Notes:

• Kirkby House is a part of the Meridian Healthcare Group, which owns 21 care homes in the North West of England.
• Madeline Ward is the Home Manager at Kirkby House
• All statistics quoted in this press release were obtained from The Mental Health Foundation (www.mentalhealth.org.uk)
• www.alzheimers.org.uk
For further information please contact:
Tessa Matthews, Marketing Consultant, Meridian Healthcare
tmatthews@meridiancare.co.uk
0161 368 9099/07740 708 928