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Ferney Lee’s Butterfly Project takes flight

Butterfly Project

Staff at Ferney Lee Care Unit in Todmorden have been working hard to make the surroundings a real home from home for residents, as part of the home’s ‘Butterfly Project’. 

Many residents at Ferney Lee have dementia. Research from Dementia Care Matters has found that for the majority of time, people living with dementia are experiencing boredom, spending large amounts of time sitting in lounges having their physical needs attended to, with little being offered to bring variety, companionship and fun into the day. 

In order to try and change this, staff at Ferney Lee have been working with Dementia Care Matters since February 2015 on the ‘Butterfly Project’, aiming to improve the environment of the home, making it feel more relaxed and inviting. Staff have also been focussing more on the feelings of people with dementia, breaking down barriers between staff and residents. 

One of the ways that staff are doing this is by removing uniforms, making both staff and residents feel more relaxed. They’re also spending more time sitting together and sharing – having a drink together, holding hands, taking time to talk and listen, and getting to know more about what matters most to every person and who they are as an individual.

The project is now at the half way point and the environment has altered significantly. There are new paintings, artwork and soft furnishings and the day is less regimented. The manager and senior team are actively encouraging and supporting a sense of family together, where of course tasks get done but they do not drive the day.  

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Social Care, Cllr Bob Metcalfe, said:

“Ferney Lee is a great facility and offers a caring service for elderly people who are no longer able to live in their own home.

“Staff have worked really hard on the ‘Butterfly Project’, which aims to help people with dementia feel more comfortable, yet stimulated in their surroundings and help them build relationships and trust with staff to prevent boredom and give them more of a sense of purpose.

“Ferney Lee is being transformed, and staff have created an environment that is more cosy and reminiscent of residents’ own homes rather than a care home.”

To find out more about Dementia Care Matters visit www.dementiacarematters.com(external link)

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