What does specialist dementia care involve?
Dementia care can vary, just as dementia itself varies hugely from person to person. Dementia is a progressive condition, which worsens very quickly in some people, but progresses much slower in others. Dementia care is at its most effective when it is tailored specifically to the person in question, and the particular challenges that living with dementia brings for them.
There are certain aspects that dementia care should always involve, however, in order to help those living with the condition retain maximum quality of life.
Compassion and understanding
Good dementia care centres around a detailed understanding of an individual’s needs, wishes, challenges and abilities. Caregivers must understand a person’s cognitive condition and background, as well as their emotional state, and specialist mental health support can make a huge difference when it comes to giving the best possible all-round dementia care.
Promoting independence
Living with dementia can bring confusion, anxiety and fear, often around everyday situations. Dementia care should always seek to reduce this, and give people as much freedom and choice in their everyday lives as is safely and practically possible.
Involving family and friends is a key part of this, and a care plan should include relatives and the role they play in promoting quality of life for somebody living with dementia.
Safeguarding
Dementia is a devastating and unpredictable disease, and some people living with it can become a danger to themselves or to others. Caregivers should be on the lookout for behaviours that could put somebody at risk, and ready to take appropriate, compassionate action.
At Milford Manor Residential Home in Salisbury, for example, CCTV is used in communal areas to assist with care assessments, and offer a high level of safeguarding.
Social and mental stimulation
Maintaining mental stimulation is a key part of a dementia care plan. It can help to slow the onset of the disease, especially during the early stages. The type of mental stimulation offered will depend on the individual, but often involves talking therapies.
Socialising has benefits for those living with dementia. Part of care itself is companionship, and a person may be encouraged and helped to spend time with others, too. Exercise is often beneficial as well, so dementia care will involve guiding a person through appropriate exercise.
Personal care
As dementia progresses, those living with it find it increasingly difficult to do everyday tasks and look after themselves. Dementia care involves helping with washing, dressing, using the toilet and eating meals, always in line with a person’s individual needs, and promoting choice and independence as much as possible.
If you or a loved one would benefit from specialist dementia care, get in touch with our team today.
