How are Dementia Residents Supported in a Care Home?
Dementia is a cognitive condition that commonly affects many older people in the UK. When living with dementia, no two experiences will be the same and it progresses at different rates, which is why it is important to ensure each individual receives the correct support when residing in a care home. The levels of support are likely to develop over time due to the nature of the condition, so daily tasks such as getting dressed, eating, washing and bathing will require more assistance, and some people may need support with mobility and medication management.
In the early stages of dementia, an individual might need their caregiver to remind them about daily tasks then as the condition develops and their mental capacity decreases, they may require long-term, 24-hour care. In most circumstances, individuals will eventually need to move to a care home full-time as receiving the correct support while living at home will become difficult for the person providing care. There are numerous ways in which a care home provides support for a person with dementia, which we will outline for you below.
How Can a Care Home Support Someone With Dementia?
- Professionals Available 24/7
A care home will undertake a strict process when selecting the professionals that are capable of providing exceptional care for the care services they provide. One requirement will be that staff are qualified and experienced in looking after people with dementia, and can support them no matter their needs. These professionals will go the extra mile to support not only residents but their loved ones throughout their time at the care home. By providing individuals with 24-hour care, it gives them a sense of security that there will be somebody on hand at all times, for when they need it most.
- Offering a Safe & Secure Environment
Care professionals aren’t the only factor that contributes to living a rich and meaningful life, the environment you live in is also extremely important. Providing an environment where a person living with dementia feels comfortable and familiar in is vital when supporting them to ensure they live a better way of life. The majority of care homes are purpose-built, specifically to cater to a range of care needs including dementia. To accommodate residents with dementia, a residential care home should provide a safe space where there is reduced noise and bright lights, clear signage to communal rooms and their own bedrooms, contrasting colours, memorabilia, and natural lighting.
- Personal Care Plans
The professional staff in a care home will be able to work with one another to help create a customised, accurate care plan for the person receiving dementia care or any other type of care. Before admission a pre- assessment will be carried out to ensure the care home is able to provide and effective level of care for the individual’s needs. Upon admission, a care plan will be drawn up over the course of the first few weeks of their stay which will be discussed with loved ones also to ensure it meets everyones wishes and expectations. This will then be used by the dementia care team to monitor and track daily care and make notes if they notice any changes to the resident.
- Support for Family & Friends
Whilst it is the number one priority to look after the individual that has dementia, their friends and family will also need support throughout this time, and you can expect this to be the case in a dementia care home. From the moment they move into the care home, the team are on hand to offer support to both the individual and their loved ones. One example of how care homes offer support to loved ones is by hosting support groups which allows people going through similar situations to meet up and share their experiences and advice with certain topics such as becoming power of attorney or how others dealt with the changes.
- Offering a Range of Stimulating Activities to Residents
One thing a care home can offer its dementia residents is to provide them with a variety of stimulating activities. It is important that care homes encourage individuals to continue doing what they enjoy on a regular basis, alongside the opportunity to relax or socialise with others, depending on how they feel. Examples of activities could include an arts and crafts session, a quiz or an afternoon of board games, live music, reminiscence sessions, pet therapy and many more.
- Opportunities to Get Out Into the Local Community
Activities Coordinators within care homes work tirelessly to ensure dementia residents are provided for through a varied activities programme, however, many care homes value the part they play in their local community. It is important for dementia residents to have the opportunity to get out of the home and enjoy social activities with others who are living with dementia in the local area. Many places in the UK have local Dementia Cafes or clubs for older people in the community which is a great way for residents and their loved ones to meet new people.
High-Quality, Personalised Care For You at Haling Park Care Home
At Haling Park Care Home, Dementia Care is a journey where the residents, their relatives, and our health and social care professionals work together for residents to experience a fulfilling experience. We have a fantastic reputation for dementia care. Most of our residents with dementia have been admitted from other care homes, where their needs could not be met. These residents are now thriving at Haling Park Care Home:
“Wow, what can we say. The level of care that my aunt receives is outstanding. The staff are pleasant, helpful and so caring. I cannot fault anything here all credit to you. My aunt has dementia and the staff are so understanding. We are kept informed with all changes to my aunts care. I can't think of anywhere else I would rather be. Thank you.” Review of Haling Park Care Home from Karen M (Niece of Resident) via carehome.co.uk.
The key to this success is our staff working in the Dementia Suite. The team members are highly trained in dementia care, training is completed both in-house and delivered by the local mental health team. The latter also deliver practical person-centred training to the staff, focusing on individuals rather than groups. As such, the team at Haling Park have developed valuable skills in dementia care. Our staff are trained to be respectful, kind, understanding and patient, and our residents respond really well to the kind and gentle approach of staff members
Each resident living with dementia has a detailed, tailor-made care plan made for them, focusing on their life history and personal interests. We use this information to engage the residents in meaningful, individualised activities each day. We are so proud of the loving and supportive community we have built at Haling Park and its evident this has had a positive impact on residents.
Get in Touch With Our Team Today
If you have any questions regarding our dementia care or anything else at Haling Park Care Home, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us via telephone on 020 8181 8898 or email at info@halingparkcare.com. Our online Enquiry Form is also available for you to complete and a member of our team will respond as soon as they can.
