The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in many day care services within the Scottish Borders closing leaving many carers without any form of respite. Around 1.1 million people in Scotland are currently providing care to an older, disabled, or ill relative or friend with many needing to take a break.
QME Care is fully aware of the impact that this is having on carers within the community and has now launched a Day Opportunities service in their Place & Space community resource centre to provide some much-needed respite for carers.
QME Care’s new service provides specialist day opportunities in the community for older adults, and people living with Dementia. They aim to enhance wellbeing and promote positive experiences for people that attend the service, as well as respite for their loved ones. There is a range of activities which includes games, crafts, group discussions and reminiscence, dementia café, and cognitive stimulation. Attendees can also have a two course homecooked lunch provided by their on-site Kitchen Team. The new service is open Monday – Thursday and is currently accepting referrals.
QME Care’s Chief Executive Kelly Brown said “We are excited to see Place & Space become a thriving hub for those who need it the most, where people can meet, chat, and be creative together. We have a dedicated Coordinator and Support Worker within the project to support all our guests needs during their visit. We launched the service on the 9th of May and are delighted to see the positivity and interest we have had in such a short space of time. It’s clear that the hidden impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is becoming clearer and clearer on our isolated older community members and now is the time to provide this much needed support and bring back our community approach.”