St Paul's Court, Lisburn: Where compassion meets community in the journey through dementia

Unlike a nursing home, tenants retain a lot of independence, living in personalised apartments or bungalows. Staff are available onsite 24/7 to provide support when needed.

Manager Karen Ford paints a vivid picture of the facility as more than just a supported living service. "We talk about St Paul's Court as a community, and it's neighbourly," she says. Ms Ford goes beyond the typical rhetoric associated with care facilities, emphasising the active encouragement of residents to connect with their peers. It's a departure from the clinical atmosphere often associated with dementia care, and it's creating a sense of home that is both palpable and genuine.

Tenants can bring their own furniture and appliances and decorate their new homes to suit them. The facilities are set up with memory loss in mind with open plan layouts, clear doors on cupboards to see where things are and pull cords to alert staff. Working with occupational therapists, the St Paul’s Court team can arrange for other assistive technologies to be incorporated before people move in, matched with an individual’s personal needs.

Whilst people can enjoy the privacy of their own apartments or bungalows, there are also communal areas where tenants and their loved ones can socialise and enjoy activities. There are always activities happening at the service, such as hand and arm massages from beauty therapy students and Strictly Active dance training. Whether it’s Dementia Action Week, Christmas or Easter, staff can often be found dressed up and hosting parties for the tenants. The King (Elvis, of course) has been known to drop in for a tune or two.

Support worker Doreen Robinson reflects on her experiences with admiration for the tenants. "The tenants themselves here are great. I've always worked with dementia, and I love it,” she says. “I get a lot out of helping them to achieve their goals and make them as independent as possible for as long as they can remain here at St Paul's Court.” The service is committed to tailoring support to the unique journeys of each resident and facilitating independence in whatever suits the individual.

Brian Green, a tenant at St Paul's Court, enjoys sunbathing in his garden and spending time with the other tenants. "I think the facilities are brilliant, the staff are very good and anybody that comes here can be guaranteed fantastic support," he says. Mr Green and his wife came to St Paul's Court due to her condition, living together onsite. After his wife passed away, he was able to continue his tenancy due to medical needs, staying in the community he had come to call home.

For people experiencing memory loss or their family members grappling with the labyrinth of decisions surrounding a loved one facing dementia, the journey can be an emotional rollercoaster. The decision to explore supported accommodation is deeply personal, and St Paul's Court welcomes open discussions, providing tours and opportunities to meet staff. Praxis Care also has a dementia carer coordinator on staff to support carers with finding the resources they need for emotional and practical support in Northern Ireland.

A diagnosis of dementia may not be required if other cognitive impairment criteria are met. For more information or to schedule a visit, ring St Paul’s Court on 02892 641819. To learn more about Praxis Care’s dementia support, visit praxiscare.org/dementia