Attributes of a top dementia friendly care home
Selecting the right and appropriate care home for your loved ones is hard. We have digested what the Alzheimers Society considers to be the key attributes you should look for in a top-notch dementia friendly care home.
Person Centred Care
The abiding principle any care home should follow is the notion of ‘person-centred care’. Care home carers should view the person in care as an individual, rather than focusing on their illness. The Alzheimer’s Society states, “person-centred care takes into account each individual’s unique qualities, abilities, interests, preferences and needs. Person-centred care also means treating residents with dignity and respect”. This means paying extra attention to the individual in order to bring out the best in them and give them a greater standard of living.
If people visit your care home for a relative with Dementia, they are likely to ask very specific questions about the style of care you provide. Therefore, it may be useful to take a look at the care you provide and ensure every resident is valued and respected as an individual.
Homely environments
A Care Home shouldn’t be a model of a hospital – which could look uninviting. Conversely, a grand hotel theme might impress visitors initially. But you should remember that it is going to be a place to live. Individuals with Dementia enjoy having objects and activities to stimulate them, and it is good to check whether residents are being entertained. Sometimes memory boxes or themes based on residents history are installed to add an extra level of comfort.
Why not read our previous blog on dementia friendly activities.
Effective communication
As well as caring for residents, they also have a responsibility to maintain regular contact with residents’ families. This is especially true if any accidents occurred. Families and friends are an important cog in care home support. Staff should always be on hand to communicate with dementia residents, families and other support bubbles.
Easy access
Incontinence is a common concern for those with dementia, extra help is necessary for easy access to a bathroom. This can mean no obstacles in the way and clear paths to and from the bathroom.
You should ask the following questions in making sure your care home is suitably prepared for when residents need quick access to the bathroom
Are your staff trained to spot the signs when someone needs to go to the toilet?
Are staff cheerful and tactful about helping residents use the toilet and changing them if they are incontinent?
Do you have clear signs and a clear route for residents to find the nearest toilet?
Happy Residents!
Visitors will often ask the following questions to ensure residents are responsive and happy:
Do staff speak to residents in a appreciative way?
Are residents active and socialising?
Are residents properly dressed and groomed?
Do residents appear interested?
Do residents talk to you?
Are residents encouraged to be as self dependent as possible?
