Dementia’s progressive nature means a unique journey for each person living with it. This condition typically causes care and support to be increased over time, and at some point may end up needing assistance with everyday personal care tasks such as washing, getting dressed, eating and bathing as well as more complicated tasks such as medication management and fine-motor activities.
In the initial stages, a person with Dementia may simply need a reminder to carry out everyday tasks, and as the more advanced stages progress, complete around-the-clock care. At a point when tasks and care are difficult to maintain at home and someone’s mental capacity decreases, it may mean a move into a care home. While this can be a difficult decision to make, there are many positive aspects a care home can bring. A care home is purposefully designed to support people living with Dementia, and here are a few ways to achieve this.
How can a care home support someone with Dementia:
2. Present Residents with Engaging Activities
We believe all residents should be able to make the most of every day, no matter what. A care home offering dementia care should encourage individuals to continue doing what makes them happy, whether it’s enjoying their favourite, enjoying a Sunday lunch with loved ones or partaking in a regular arts and crafts session. The Activity Coordinators go to great lengths to ensure dementia-friendly activities are incorporated into a weekly activities programme. It’s essential to provide individuals with everything they need to live the life they deserve, with the option of enjoying their days quietly and alone or socialising with fellow residents.
3. Skilled Professionals
A Care Home carefully selects a dedicated team of health and social care professionals to look after all residents, and ensure there are full-time staff on-site who are qualified and experienced in providing specialist dementia care. Compassionate staff will go above and beyond in all they do, working with residents who live with dementia alongside their families to discover activities and therapies that are suited to their unique requirements and abilities. Having access to around-the-clock care means residents and loved ones can feel rest assured that skilled professionals are always on hand.
4. Extensive Experience
Care Homes present its residents with a stable team who are trained in dementia care and have extensive experience in their specialist field. Nurses working in a Care Home will possess an abundance of relevant experience as well as be encouraged and given opportunities to continue to expand their skills with training provided by the Care Home. A dedication to understanding and caring for those living with Dementia will ensure residents consistently receive the finest level of care on a long-term basis.
5. Social Opportunities
Activities Coordinators will go to great lengths to ensure dementia-friendly activities are incorporated into a monthly Activities and Excursions programme. Care Homes strive to do all they can to provide individuals with all they need to live the life they deserve, with the option of enjoying their days quietly or socialising with fellow residents.
6. Support for Family & Friends
From initial diagnosis of dementia through to ongoing management of the condition and associated medication, care homes are equipped to provide practical and emotional support to both residents and their loved ones as it is often a difficult time for loved ones. Often there are support groups within care homes, where friends and family members of residents can get together, share their experiences and support one another.
We recognise that no two people with dementia are alike and that although some individuals may require modest assistance in managing their everyday lives, others may need significant support. Residents from all walks of life are welcomed into our home, where they will be treated with compassion and where professional care is tailored and adapted to meet a person’s exact needs.
We are pleased to offer a safe and supportive environment for all of our residents, including those living with dementia. Our care home in Andover has been carefully designed to ensure residents feel relaxed in their surroundings and can easily navigate the home. We provide many in-house facilities which include arts & crafts, private gardens, a cinema room and activities programme for residents to pursue their hobbies and interests.
“Mum arrived at Harrier Grange Care Home in October, she was recovering from an operation whilst grieving the loss of her husband and was often confused and withdrawn with the onset of dementia. The level of care and companionship she received is outstanding and has transformed her back into a relaxed, happier Mum again. As a family, we are so very grateful to all the team at Harrier Grange Care Home safe in the knowledge that Mum is being so well looked after.”
Review of Harrier Grange Care Home from Jeremy D, son of resident via carehome.co.uk.
Researching care homes, and recognising and understanding the specific care requirements someone needs when living with dementia can be difficult. Support comes in all shapes in sizes, and in addition to talking to our wonderful team, and exploring our Dementia Care page, we recommend the following services that specialise in dementia:
Our primary goal is to ensure our residents are offered the best possible quality of life; a place where they are able to benefit from the advantages of care home living in the company of like-minded people and free from the worry of running a household. If you have any questions regarding Dementia Care at Harrier Grange Care Home, we invite you to get in touch. Call 01264 252 555 or email info@harriergrangecare.co.uk to chat with our friendly team.