Living with dementia presents unique challenges for both individuals and their families. As the condition progresses, it becomes unpredictable and increasingly difficult for loved ones to manage, at this point specialised care can help to ensure safety, comfort, and overall well-being, this is the time when heart-wrenching decisions must be made.

Residential care homes, such as ours are tailored to meet the needs of those living with dementia and offer a range of benefits. From engaging activities and enhanced security, to safe, easy to navigate floorplans, and 24-hour support, care homes can provide those living with dementia not only a safe living environment, but also the opportunity to socialise, to exercise, and to participate in hobbies and pastimes that they enjoy.

A residential care home that offers care to those living with dementia must prioritise creating environments that are conducive to comfort, familiarity, and ease of navigation. For people living with dementia familiarity is key. A familiar environment is crucial for reducing anxiety and confusion.

Our home was built with safety in mind, boasting features such as door codes, handrails in hallways, and clear signage. Security is paramount to ensure the safety of the resident and peace of mind for families.

Within our home we have a dedicated memory care unit specifically designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with dementia. This unit is tailored to promote independence and to reduce stress. 

Residents’ rooms are decorated with familiar items and photographs, things that can evoke positive memories and promote a sense of belonging, furniture and fixtures are selected for safety and ease of use, minimising the risk of falls or accidents. Prominent displays of photographs, or artwork can assist memory. Personalisation should not stop inside the room, it is important to provide easy to spot, clear visual clues on the door to make it easier for residents to recognise their room.

Dementia is a progressive disease and whilst there is sadly no cure, progression can be slowed through the use of medication and activities that stimulate mental acuity. We design our activities schedule to provide the support required to maintain cognitive function. Social engagement and opportunities for creativity are essential, our schedule offers a variety of activities and programs that are person-centred and tailored to the interests and abilities of each individual resident.

Activities such as memory games, puzzles, and storytelling sessions are a good way to provide cognitive stimulation.  Art therapy, music therapy, and gardening activities provide residents with opportunities for creative expression and sensory stimulation which can enhance mood, reduce agitation, and improve overall well-being.

Group outings, social events, and communal dining experiences encourage social interaction among residents, creating a sense of community and belonging. Meaningful connections with peers and team members can help combat the feelings of loneliness and isolation that are often experienced by individuals with dementia.

I have already touched on the importance of safety and security, and this isn’t just about codes on doors, ongoing training for the teams responsible for the delivery of care prepares them to deal with the extra support required calmly and professionally. Specific dementia training provides the team with the skills to respond to emergency situations, behavioural challenges and to mitigate risks. Medication management can be complex for individuals living with dementia, we have systems in place to ensure that medications are administered correctly and on schedule, steps are taken to avoid the risk of medication errors and adverse reactions.

Dementia care is diverse, dementia is not uniform, symptoms are as different as they are the same, and providing a safe, caring environment that allows those that deal with this horrible condition to live rather than just exist takes patience, it takes ingenuity, forward thinking, risk management, creativity, and planning. It requires team members who are well trained, alert, flexible, responsive, understanding and most of all caring. We take pride in providing a high level of dementia care in our homes, care that enables our residents to live the best life possible.