Two care homes run by a family business in Cheshire have been among the first to sign up to a programme designed to improve communication and quality of life for people with sensory loss.

Over 30 staff and the senior leadership team at Chapel House Care are taking part in the INCUS care programme developed by the Deafness Support Network.

Cathrina Moore, an Admiral Nurse who runs The Chapel House and Plessington Court care homes in Puddington, said: “We are delighted that so many of our team have already completed their INCUS training.

“Having sight or hearing loss makes life even more difficult for people with dementia who already have to live with the challenges of the condition.

“We believe that people with sensory loss can lead healthier lives with improved social and emotional wellbeing which is why it is so important for our team to undertake this specialist training.

“At Chapel House Care we want to do our bit to build a better overall service for people with sensory loss.”

The programme includes a one-day practical course as well as ongoing training and audits provided by DSN.

On completion, the home will qualify for an INCUS demonstrating it provides support to residents with sensory loss.

Dr Jenna Littlejohn of DSN, who co-developed the programme, said: “The staff at Chapel House Care undertook the training with such enthusiasm, really demonstrating their commitment to the initiative and the residents they support.

“We are due to complete the environmental audit shortly and then we will be able to award the home with the first incus-care quality mark.”

Home manager of The Chapel House and Plessington Court, Keith Ley, told Caring Times staff had already seen amazing outcomes as a result of the programme with one carer reporting it  had “completely changed the world” of one resident.