How Can Dementia Care in a Care Home Benefit Someone?
Dementia is a long-term neurological condition that affects more than 55 million people worldwide. As it progresses, the person living with dementia may experience a range of symptoms, including memory loss, confusion, a decline in mental capacity and difficulty with everyday tasks. For family members and caregivers, caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, particularly as the condition advances, so a care home is usually the best option in live-in care is no longer viable.
It is essential that people living with dementia receive the care and support they deserve in order to live a happy and fulfilled life. Residential care homes that offer specialised dementia care can provide a range of benefits to those living with the condition, helping them to maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, and ensure their safety and well-being.
Care Homes Offering Dementia Care
Care homes and nursing homes that offer specialised dementia care have been purposefully built to provide a safe and supportive environment for a person with dementia. These homes are staffed by trained health and social care professionals who understand the challenges that dementia provides. It is the most suitable place for individuals to receive full-time care within a dedicated unit or floor that has been tailored towards dementia residents.
As dementia is unique to each person, care homes collaborate with residents and their loved ones to create a personalised care plan which details the needs, requirements and preferences of the individual during their first few weeks of admission. This allows care staff to easily monitor each resident’s needs through regular assessments and can easily adapt their level of care over time. A majority of care homes will offer Dementia Care alongside Residential Care Respite Care, and sometimes, Nursing Care.
The Benefits of Living in a Dementia Care Home
One of the most important factors to consider when beginning to look for a care home is the benefits it will provide an individual with a better quality of life. It’s important to note that no two care homes offer the same care approach, their facilities will differ, their core set of values may differ, and their level of dementia care will vary so it’s important to do your research and ask questions before making a decision.
An Environment Where Residents Feel Safe and Secure
Care homes offering dementia care will have been purposefully designed to be accessible and easy to navigate, with features including secure outdoor spaces, emergency response systems, and staff trained in managing every kind of behaviour. The physical environment will have been fitted out to reduce the risk of falls, injuries and wandering with specialised equipment such as handrails, walking frames and alarms providing added support and safety for those that require extra help with their mobility. The communal rooms are kept simple to minimise confusion and agitation through the use of contrasting colours, natural light, lots of space to move around and memorabilia to spark memories and familiarity.
A Daily Routine Tailored To The Individual
Because memory loss is one of the most common symptoms of dementia, it is important for care homes to offer a regular schedule tailored to each resident so they can stick to their routine, which can also help reduce any anxiety or stress and create a sense of familiarity and consistency. Daily schedules, mealtimes, and activities are planned and customised to the resident’s interests and abilities, allowing them to maintain their independence and sense of purpose. Some examples of activities you could expect to see in a resident’s daily routine include exercise sessions, gardening, games, getting a manicure, creating memory boxes, and cognitive therapies that are designed to improve cognitive function, slow the progression of dementia and help with overall well-being.
Support for Family and Friends
Whilst it is given to offer around-the-clock care and support for the resident suffering from dementia, it is also essential to offer support to loved ones as it can be a daunting time for them too, especially when their loved one firsts move into the care home, they need that reassurance and peace of mind. Examples of ways a care home can support friends and family are by offering regular meetings on a resident's progression and organising monthly family support groups. Support groups provide a safe space for family members or friends, providing a safe and compassionate space to share their experiences and feelings with individuals who are in a similar situation. The support system for family and friends is also vital for a resident’s well-being, as enabling loved ones to visit often will ultimately ensure a resident feels more comfortable and secure in their environment.
Opportunities to Enjoy Hobbies and Interests
Each care home will offer its own unique set of facilities and amenities for residents to utilise on a regular basis including social activities, an all-inclusive activities programme, arts & crafts sessions, a hair salon & spa, a cinema room and much more which can appeal to a wide range of interests. Enabling residents to partake in their hobbies and interests within a care home setting can encourage socialisation with like-minded individuals, which can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness as well as improve cognitive functions, offering a sense of purpose and fulfilment and maintaining identity.
An Improved Quality of Life
Dementia is a progressive condition which means that each individual’s progression will develop at its own pace. However, there will become a point where loved ones and caregivers will find it difficult to provide the high level of care a person eventually needs. The home staff are dedicated and trained in providing the highest quality of care which in turn improves the quality of life for individuals with dementia.
Enjoy Dementia Care Designed for Your Needs at Deeside Care Home
Deeside Care Home is a purpose-built care facility located in Cults, Aberdeen offering exceptional Dementia Care, as well as Residential Care, Nursing Care, Respite Care and Palliative Care. We have a dedicated team of experts who provide around-the-clock care to dementia residents, ensuring they can enjoy a fulfilled life. Our team has undergone extensive training which enables them to provide dementia care to any set of needs, from the moment they move in up until end-of-life.
Our care home in Aberdeen has been designed to ensure it is a safe and secure space for our dementia residents as it is our priority to ensure residents feel at home and feel comfortable interacting with others. From the use of colours, materials and lighting throughout the home, each decision we make regarding the home’s design takes into account our dementia residents so that any frustrations or anxieties are alleviated. Our residents have access to a number of all-inclusive facilities and amenities at any time of the day so that they can participate in their favourite activities and enhances their mental, physical and emotional well-being.
Contact Our Friendly Team
Our expert team at Deeside Care Home are more than happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding our Dementia Care, or any of our other services. If you would like to speak with a friendly member of the team, please call 01224 869816 or email info@deesidecare.com. We hope to speak with you soon.
