TWO Dorset care homes for people with dementia have become the first of their kind in the UK to be awarded a badge of professional excellence.

The Aldbury in Poole and Fernhill in Ferndown are now accredited Practice Development Units for dementia care.

The title PDU is normally associated with the NHS and the two Colten Care homes are the first privately-run dementia units to be given the title.

The award was made by the Centre for Practice Development at Bournemouth University’s School of Health and Social Care, one of only two PDU accreditation bodies in the country.

Vanessa Heaslip, senior lecturer in nursing and chairman of the accreditation panel, said: “We were really impressed with the way nursing staff and carers created a sense of home.

“Colten Care gives dedicated dementia awareness training to all staff, from gardeners to laundry assistants, to maintain a superb quality of care throughout.”

All staff had the chance to suggest projects to improve the daily lives of residents and communication between staff, residents and relatives.

Denise Arthur-Briskham, head of care at The Aldbury, said: “We have united the entire staff team to strive for the best standards in care.”

Nicki Ayres, whose grandmother has lived at The Aldbury for two years, said: “The PDU has really focused the staff’s minds on what they do with residents and has led to a greater depth of understanding and compassion.

“I believe it has made a vast difference to the lives of all involved.”

The Aldbury and Fernhill are among 18 homes run by Lymington-based Colten Care.