Kincaid House Introduces SPAR

At Kincaid House Care Home, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, person-centred care that supports our residents and their families at every stage of their journey. As part of our ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for those in our care, we recently launched the Supportive and Palliative Action Register (SPAR) – an innovative tool designed to enhance palliative care and ensure early identification of changes in residents' health.

What is SPAR and Why is it Important?

SPAR is a structured approach that helps care teams identify signs of change or decline in a resident’s condition at an early stage. By implementing this proactive tool, our team can:

• Recognise when a resident’s needs are evolving.
• Communicate effectively with families and healthcare professionals.
• Ensure timely and appropriate care interventions.
• Provide reassurance and emotional support to residents and loved ones.

This initiative aligns with our philosophy of delivering compassionate, personalised care that prioritises dignity, comfort, and quality of life.

Empowering Our Team Through Training

The launch of SPAR at Kincaid House followed a dedicated period of training, equipping our team with the skills and confidence to use the tool effectively. The programme was designed to strengthen communication, refine observation skills, and ensure that every staff member can support residents with the utmost professionalism and empathy.

Home Manager Anne Gardner, shared her pride in the team’s dedication, stating:
"You can see how much our colleagues have learned and how their confidence has grown."

Bringing Families Into the Conversation

To celebrate the introduction of SPAR, we hosted a special event for residents' families, offering an opportunity to learn more about how this approach will benefit their loved ones. Over tea and homemade cakes, our team engaged in meaningful discussions with relatives, helping them understand how SPAR will allow for more informed care planning and reassurance during difficult times.

The event also featured insights from Gillian Orr, HSCP Care Home Liaison Nurse, who provided valuable guidance on Future Care Planning (FCP). These conversations are essential in ensuring residents receive care that aligns with their wishes, and we were grateful to have expert support on hand to assist families in navigating this process.

A Commitment to Compassionate Care

At Kincaid House, our goal is to provide the highest standard of care and support for our residents, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and respected. The introduction of SPAR is another step in our mission to continually enhance our approach to nursing care, palliative support, and resident well-being.

We are incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and the positive impact this initiative will have on both our residents and their loved ones.

If you would like to learn more about our approach to palliative care or arrange a visit to Kincaid House, please get in touch with our team today.