No two experiences of dementia are the same as each individual has different needs, which results in their care and support being unique. Dementia is a condition that relates to a decline in cognitive functions and the mental capacity of individuals, most commonly elderly people. People suffering from dementia can experience various symptoms or side effects including memory loss, speech impairments, mobility difficulties, reduced moods and reduced thinking speed. Because the nature of dementia is progressive, this means that symptoms are likely to worsen as time passes meaning they will need extra support with certain tasks including getting dressed, personal care, housekeeping and eating.
When an individual is in the early stages, they may only require minor support with reminding to complete their daily tasks however as they reach later stages, they may need 24-hour care. If someone who has dementia is currently living independently or is receiving care at home, as their needs develop it would be beneficial to consider a care home for them if more complex requirements need to be met. Making the decision to move either yourself or a loved one into a care home can be difficult, but care homes are on hand to support you with every step of your decision. What you should expect from a dementia care home isn’t always outlined, and therefore we have collated a list of the most important things you should expect for you or your loved one.
Resident well-being is a top priority in many care homes, and it is essential to understand the quality of care in a care home isn’t just made up of what there is to offer to residents but is also about the atmosphere provided to residents. This will typically include multiple dementia-friendly adaptions to the home such as putting clear signs in each room, offering natural lighting instead of artificial and making sure there is ample corridor space. Care homes will understand that dementia residents can sometimes find it more difficult to settle, due to feeling worried, stressed or lonely. Because of this, care homes will strive to provide these residents with an environment where they feel safe and secure at all times.
Care homes offer a varied activities programme with a dedicated activities coordinator and team to ensure residents are provided with regular, stimulating activities and social opportunities. Whether residents prefer a quieter or more social day, the opportunity will always be there for them to fill their days alongside like-minded individuals in games, baking, arts & crafts and more. As part of the monthly programme, there will be opportunities to also get out of the home and get involved in the local community or to visit the local town which is something care home teams value and aim to incorporate as much as possible.
Many care homes offer a range of health and social care professionals and those that offer dementia care will have team members that are well-experienced and have specialised dementia training. Care staff are available around-the-clock to support residents with each of their needs. Care is personalised to dementia residents' unique needs through a care plan which is developed with the resident and their loved ones, ensuring that their every individual need can be met. Residents can spend their days at ease knowing there are always people to rely on around the home, no matter the reason or the time of day.
Leading on from the care home environment, making individuals feel like they are in a home away from home can be carried out by letting residents choose what to include in their rooms. This is a brilliant way to help the individual settle in and be able to look back on old memories made which is extremely beneficial for elderly people with dementia. Staff will be available to help residents move into their bedrooms and give them the final touches to make it like home, and loved ones are also welcomed with open arms.
Whilst making the move into a care home can be difficult for those with dementia, this can also be a daunting time for the friends and family members of the individual. Care home teams will be on hand from move-in day and then throughout the ongoing process of their condition. Loved ones will be kept updated with all aspects of their loved ones' care, needs and how this may progress over time.
Trinity House Care Home is situated in Edinburgh and offers residents exceptional full-time Dementia Care as well as Residential Care, Respite Care and Nursing Care. Our main focus is based around the word ‘home’, we want our residents to feel like Trinity House is their own from the moment they move in. Our care staff cater for residents with low levels to moderate stages of dementia 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering a range of facilities and amenities to fill their days with alongside ongoing support to ensure all residents live the life they deserve, as independently as possible. Because we want our residents to feel completely at home, we don’t have a separating dementia unit and allow them to live united in our luxury home.
We had to find emergency accommodation for our mum who has dementia immediately after my dad's funeral. The shock of losing dad and a huge change immediately afterwards could have been a nightmare. However, with much prayer, mum also realised she could not stay alone in their empty house. Even as we had to drop mum off and could not even go in due to Covid restrictions, the lovely friendly welcome and beautifully furnished accommodation and kind staff made this easier than we ever imagined for dear mum from Susan D(daughter of resident) on carehome.co.uk
Our dementia residents are encouraged to get involved in all aspects of the home and have put multiple practices in place to support this. We encourage residents to take on roles within the home, for example, we have one of our residents who has taken on a Laundry Assistance role but has had their own tabard reading ‘Chief Towel Folder’ as requested in order to provide independence and let them enjoy pride in their role. We are looking forward to visiting the local dementia cafes and forming bonds with dementia groups in the local community.
If you would like to find out more about our types of care at Trinity House Care Home or have any further queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch by calling us on 0131 341 3444 or emailing info@trinityhousecare.com.