How Can a Care Home Support Someone With Dementia?
Deciding to move for yourself or a loved one with dementia and into a care home and choosing the right one is a big decision. You want to ensure that you or your loved one will be well-cared for and supported and that your unique needs will be addressed. Fortunately, there are care homes and nursing homes that can offer a range of services and resources specifically designed to support people with dementia and provide them with an environment where they feel safe and comfortable.
During the early stages of dementia, individuals may need support with remembering daily tasks and actually completing them. However, dementia is a progressive condition and as time goes on, they may reach a point where they require around-the-clock care from a care home. From specialised memory care programmes to personalised meal plans and tailored activities, care homes can provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for those with dementia. Skilled and compassionate teams work together to ensure that residents feel valued and supported and that their individual needs are met with sensitivity and respect within the purpose-built facility.
What Can A Care Home Do To Support Someone With Dementia?
Have Professionals Available 24/7
Each care home undertakes a process where they carefully select the most appropriate and qualified full-time or part-time health and social care professionals to join their team and care on-site for the dementia residents. Care home teams will work tirelessly to ensure each of the specific needs and requirements of dementia residents is catered for at every hour of the day. Residents living with dementia can enjoy peace of mind knowing there are friendly professionals there that will put their care needs first.
Offer an Environment Where Individuals Feel Safe and Secure
One essential factor in ensuring dementia residents enjoy the best quality of life possible is the environment they live in. Individuals with dementia can find it difficult to develop familiarity with their surroundings and because of this, they may struggle to be able to relax or feel safe. Because of this, a lot of care homes will implement measures such as furniture with contrasting colours, specialised cutlery, spacious hallways, bigger fonts size on signs and personalisation so that dementia residents can easily navigate their way around the care home and rest assured that they are living in an environment that is safe and secure for them.
Provide Ample Opportunities to Socialise
It's crucial to provide ample opportunities for socialisation for dementia residents in care homes. Being diagnosed with dementia can be an isolating and confusing experience, and socialising with others can offer a sense of connection and belonging. Spending time with others can also help to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression that can often accompany dementia. Socialising has numerous benefits including stimulated cognitive function, improved mental capacity, and enhanced overall wellbeing. By creating a warm and welcoming dementia-friendly environment that encourages social activities, care homes can help residents feel more engaged and fulfilled which ultimately leads to a better quality of life.
Offer Support for Loved Ones
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it can be a challenging and emotional experience for everyone involved. That's why it's important for care homes to offer support not just to the dementia resident, but to their friends and family members as well. Providing resources and opportunities for loved ones to receive support such as a regular support group or points of contact can help them navigate the difficulties that come with dementia, such as managing behaviours or coping with changes in their relationship. It can also help them feel more connected and supported, which can lead to a better quality of life for both the dementia resident and their loved ones. Family and friends of dementia residents are welcome to collaborate with the care home to ensure their care plan is perfectly tailored to their specific dementia needs and that they receive ample opportunities to make the most of their time in the care home.
Present Residents With Stimulating Activities
As well as providing residents with first-class care options and an environment where they feel safe and secure, most care homes also offer an entertainment and activities programme for residents to utilise on a regular basis. A dementia-friendly care home should regularly encourage residents to take part in what makes them happy or what they are interested in whether it is a sensory session, a coffee morning or an arts and crafts session. Care homes will have dedicated activity coordinators who plan the activities for residents to enjoy based on their hobbies and interests. One important factor of the activities programme is that residents have a choice to participate in a group or on a one-to-one basis and they can also choose whether they want a busier routine with more activities, or if they would rather enjoy their days at a quieter and slower pace. it is completely up to the individual.
Supporting Our Dementia Residents at The Amwell Care Home
At The Amwell Care Home in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, we understand that no two residents with dementia are the same and that whilst some individuals may require 24/7 support, others may be able to live more independently. We work closely with the friends and family of residents from the moment they move into our care home to create a unique care plan adapted to their specific needs and requirements, with continuous assessments throughout.
We take pride in the supportive and homely environment we can offer all of our residents, including those with dementia. We offer luxury accommodation and have an experienced and dedicated team that offers unrivalled levels of Dementia Care, Residential Care and Respite Care, resulting in residents being able to live a full and meaningful life with the support they need. Dementia residents are supported each day in our purpose-built care home through the care options we provide and our premium facilities and amenities.
‘My mother, who has dementia, has been a resident at the Amwell for two and a half years and I cannot praise them highly enough. She is happy and safe and is given the highest quality of care in a compassionate and respectful manner. The staff at the Amwell are always looking for ways to make life more enjoyable and easier for the residents, and really think about how the resident must feel. I call them her Amwell family, as that is what it feels like they are. From P T (Daughter of Resident)’ via carehome.co.uk.
If you have any further questions regarding our Dementia Care or The Amwell Care Home in general, our friendly and experienced team are always happy to provide answers and help in any way they can. You can get in touch by calling our team on 01664 882525 or sending an email to admin@theamwellcare.com.
