Dumfries and Galloway MP Richard Arkless and South of Scotland MSP Emma Harper recently visited Cromarty House in Stranraer.
Alzheimer Scotland bought Cromarty House in April and it is to be transformed into a facility which supports people with dementia, their families and their carers. It will offer numerous therapeutic services including a sensory room, a therapeutic garden, community groups, a drop in cafe, and Carer support groups and will provide day and evening care. It will also offer dementia awareness training which will help to support the local community.
Commenting on the visit, Mr Arkless said:
“The plans for Cromarty House sound very exciting. All credit must be given to Manager Clare Stroyan who is creating a wonderful space for those affected with dementia and their families. As our population ages, dementia will affect the lives of more and more people so it is fantastic to have this specialist unit available to people in the Stranraer and Wigtownshire area.”
Cromarty House will give new opportunities to people with dementia such as music and singing groups, exercise groups and even a football reminiscence group. It will also provide self-management courses and dementia specific training for staff and health care workers.
Mr Arkless added:
“Dementia affects each person differently and the wide variety of activities that Cromarty House will offer, will help those affected to focus on areas that are important to them as individuals. There is no doubt that this will help people to regain some confidence, feel independent and maintain their self-esteem. I’m sure Cromarty House will have a hugely positive impact on the lives of the many families that it will support.”
MSP Emma Harper who is a former nurse, said that Cromarty House is a ‘very welcome addition to healthcare provision in the West of the constituency’.
She continued:
“Those affected by dementia need to be cared for in a very safe, very reassuring and familiar environment. I have no doubt that Cromarty House will provide all users with that essential sense of safety and support.
“Clare has talked to Richard and I about creating an environment that vulnerable people can feel happy and confident in and I am sure that she will do just that – I look forward to visiting again when Cromarty is up and running.”
Alzheimer Scotland now has complete ownership of the building and will be funding the cost of the refurbishment, although grants and external funding will be sought. The refurbishment will begin in the next few week with Cromarty House expected to open towards the end of this year.
Service Manager Clare Stroyan said:
“I was delighted to meet Richard and Emma, and tell them of all my exciting plans to provide a fantastic service for all those affected with dementia, their families and their carers.
“As the manager of such a massive project for Wigtownshire, I am responsible for the direction of how our charitable money is spent. This is something I take very seriously and seek advice on.
“Cromarty house will have a launch date set for the winter, once all works are complete, and I expect our opening day to be a very exciting and proud day for all to enjoy.”
