Dementia
Dementia poses unique and evolving challenges
Over 850,000 people in the UK are living with dementia and the numbers are rising. Different types of dementia include Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and mixed dementia which combines more than one type.
Dementia poses unique and evolving challenges for those living with the condition, for their loved ones, and their carers. Many people find dealing with dementia stressful and emotionally challenging.
At Bridge, Burton and Trent Court, we have extensive experience in dealing with all types of dementia, including early-onset dementia and related issues. We offer dementia care in a calm and therapeutic environment and use person-centred activities to support those with dementia as individuals.
The activities and events we provide are aimed at improving quality of life and further enhancing individuals’ interests and capabilities.
Dementia Care Planning
Traditionally, dementia care focused on the diagnosis rather than the individual.
Our approach, based on latest research, is to promote independence and afford dignity and respect to those living with dementia, helping them to respond more positively.
Our person-centred care model is built on a relationship of trust between the person being cared for, their loved ones, and care professionals. You or your loved one is supported in a holistic way. We look after the whole person – their emotional, social and care needs. We believe in celebrating life and focusing on what individuals can do, rather than what they can’t.
We meet with everyone involved to explore you or your loved one’s care needs, tastes, interests and personality in order to complete a detailed personalised care plan. The plan sets out the level of care required and is risk assessed and agreed before you or your loved one moves into the home. It is regularly reviewed to ensure the highest level of care provision.
Maintaining independence
We believe a thriving community is the foundation of a happy home. Our teams actively support everyone, including loved ones, to get involved in the community life of the home by sharing mealtimes, social events and relaxation time together.
Our ladies and gentlemen are nurtured and encouraged to take responsibility for as much of their own personal care as they are able. Everyone is encouraged to make our home their home and we support people to decorate and furnish to their tastes. This approach to care makes the experience of dementia care more positive, rewarding and fulfilling for everyone and helps people to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
Dementia-friendly environments
Our homes are dementia-friendly environments, designed to help you or your loved one to stay safe, physically active and mentally stimulated.
Lighting
Lighting plays an important part of dementia-friendly environments. A combination of lighting including daylight, overhead and discreet are used together to help our ladies and gentlemen to feel safer and happier.
We encourage individuals to spend time in our communal areas as they have large windows providing daylight and stimulating views of our gardens, which are a haven for birds, butterflies and squirrels.
Furniture and furnishings
Dementia may affect how well individuals can tell the difference between colours and how they see objects in three dimensions.
A dementia-friendly environment can help to reduce falls, confusion and certain behaviours. We use bright and contrasting colours for furnishings and furniture. We try to avoid stripes or strong patterns as they can be disorientating. We also avoid abstract artwork which can cause confusion or agitation. Mirrors too can cause distress – as dementia progresses, people may not recognise themselves.
You or your loved one should have familiar items, this can help individuals to feel safe and comfortable.
Visual cues
The symptoms of dementia are different for everyone, some people struggle with remembering everyday things, such as where socks are kept. This can be incredibly frustrating and can lead to anger or upset.
Visual cues can help, such as putting pictures or labels on the outside of cupboards, wardrobes and drawers. We encourage individuals to be involved in organising this, taking photos or choosing the items to be used for the labels.
Bathrooms
Not being able to find the toilet when you or your loved one needs it can cause anxiety and accidents. We make sure that we leave the door to your en-suite open so it is easy to see where it is. The lights are bright, and everything is white, so it is easy to see the handrails in a contrasting colour. These little touches make a big difference, it can reduce anxiety and frustration. Bathrooms can get crowded with items that you do not use every day. For someone with dementia, this can be distracting and confusing. Therefore, we make sure there are only those items you or your loved one uses daily on display.
Feeling safe
Keeping you or your loved one safe is one of our highest priorities, our homes are designed to make individuals feel safe and confident. There are different types of grab rails, alarms and sensors, including smoke detectors fitted throughout. Our homes are always kept at an appropriate temperature to prevent individuals getting too hot or too cold. We use room and bed monitoring, nurse call systems and are piloting several new technological products to help us to keep everyone safe.
To talk to our registered manager or matron about our dementia care, telephone 01283 512915 or use our contact form.