Meallmore has launched dementia cafes at several care homes with the aim of raising community awareness of the condition.

Facilities have been launched at Greenan Manor in Ayr and Crimond House in Fraserburgh with the support of Alzheimer’s Scotland.

Greenan Manor’s Let’s Connect café provides a space for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of the condition to participate in dementia-friendly activities and receive information with family and friends in a safe and supportive zone.

Crimond House is in the early stages of establishing its own dementia café and other Meallmore homes have introduced similar supportive spaces, building on the care home group’s leading work in delivering personalised care to residents with the condition.

The cafés have been launched as part of the ‘Strive, Achieve and Excellence’ framework, which was established by Meallmore in 2016 and allows the provider’s 26 care homes to trial projects tailored to the needs of their residents. The framework, which is not limited to dementia, gives each care home the opportunity to integrate the latest and best practices into their care and can, ultimately, influence business-wide change.

Hazel O’Rourke, Meallmore’s quality director, said: “Sadly, there are around 90,000 people with a dementia diagnosis in Scotland and people living with dementia account for around 66% of the current care home population.

“The most important thing we can do for people living with the condition is to provide them with the best care we possibly can. At Meallmore, we’re committed to supporting those living with dementia by working to create a compassionate environment and community where dignity is nurtured, identities are preserved and a sense of belonging is fostered.

“It’s not only our mission to bring comfort and connection to those entrusted in our care, but also to educate, listen to and support the families, healthcare professionals and community that interact with those living with dementia. We wish to bring our families closer together and improve the lives of the people that we care for.”