What is a Dementia Care Home?

According to a report published by the London School of Economics, There are around 900,000 people living with Dementia in the UK. This is expected to rise in 2040 to 1.6 million.

This means that more and more people are looking to move into a care home that offers Dementia Care for their loved ones to be looked after in a safe environment surrounded by a team of people who specialise in dementia. A person with dementia usually has a range of symptoms that hinder them from doing certain activities or prevent them from being able to live independently. 

As their symptoms progress into the later stages, it is essential that older people with dementia receive the necessary care from trained professionals. Most care homes will hold a meeting with residents and their loved ones to outline their, learn their likes and dislikes and build a daily life routine suited to them.

As stated by Alzheimer's Society, there are many types of dementia such as Vascular Dementia, Lewy Bodies Dementia, and Frontotemporal Dementia with Alzheimer’s Disease being the most common type. 

It can be difficult for family members to come to terms with someone they love experiencing signs of dementia and potentially needing to move into a care home. However, it’s important that a medical expert diagnoses someone’s condition so that the next appropriate steps can be taken regarding dementia care. If the person with dementia has more advanced symptoms, often their loved one will become their power of attorney, this legally allows someone to give written authorisation of their best interests on another’s behalf due to their limited mental capacity. 

How Can Social Services Help a Care Home to Provide Specialist Dementia Care to Residents?

The Care Quality Commission is a public body that inspects and regulates the health and social care services in England, this includes care homes. All types of care homes, no matter if they provide nursing care, residential care or dementia care, will be inspected regularly. This is to ensure that all care homes in England meet a high standard of care as well as improvements that can be implemented where necessary. 

The local authority also has an important part to play in helping those receiving specialist dementia care to keep their independence for as long as possible, by making small changes that help communities and care homes become more dementia friendly.

Dementia care homes are designed to allow people living with dementia to participate in social activities and receive the correct care and support in order to improve their quality of life. From the colours used in the rooms to the type of cutlery used when eating, there are many actions that can be taken to help residents living with dementia feel comfortable and happy in their environment. 

What Makes a Care Home Dementia-Friendly?

There are many ways that dementia care homes can adapt their layout to be more resident-friendly. When writing up the personalised care plan with our residents and their loved ones, we ensure to make note of those with dementia to ensure they receive a room fully adapted for them. Here are some things you could include in your dementia care home rooms:

1. Contrasting Colours in Rooms

There are many things in a room that can cause unnecessary confusion and distress for those living in dementia care homes due to a change in perception, one of them being the colour schemes. For example, a rug can seem like a hole in the floor, so it’s important these obstacles are eliminated. If walls, floors and furnishings are of a similar colour, they can all seem like they're blending into one for an individual. Bold patterns should be kept to a minimum as residents can interpret this as something jumping out at them. 

2. Themed Corridors

Care homes that offer dementia care will have themed corridors, consisting of photographs of actors and singers or adverts from a certain era. This provides residents with the opportunity to start a conversation about a time in their lives they can remember, as residents can often reminisce about their younger days. 

3. Memory Boxes

Memory boxes can be used in care homes to store photographs of family and friends or objects that are significant to the individual and placed next to their bedroom door to remind them that it is their room, as often bedroom doors can all look the same from the outside which can cause confusion. Personal belongings could also be put around the room to provide residents with comfort if they are feeling lost.

4. Signage

Signs above doors with pictures can help a resident living with dementia find their way around a care home. Some can associate better with a picture than words and vice versa, so it’s wise to have both. Secure doors are also important, to make sure residents have easy access to their rooms at all times.

5. Specialist Lighting

Residents living with dementia can experience something called ‘Sundowning’. When the sun goes down people's agitation can increase, therefore specialist lighting in the bedroom and ensuite can help an individual to find their way at night if they need to go to the toilet. 

6. An Outside Space

Regular fresh air and vitamin D are vital for everyone’s well-being. No matter how much space a care home might have, a sensory garden or landscaped garden is necessary. Having designated outdoor spaces for things such as touch, sight and smell can help someone with dementia to utilise their senses, as well as the opportunity to participate in gardening activities. 

7. Friendly Activities for Dementia Care

Many care homes strive to offer activities inclusive of all abilities. Something as simple as allowing someone to make their own lunch encourages a resident to feel a sense of normality by doing activities they would usually do in their own home. 

Music and singing can be used as a form of therapy within care homes as well as reliving memories from a particular time in their lives. Painting and drawing are creative and calming activities that can be enjoyed by everyone, as well as activities that use cognitive thinking such as reading, puzzles and board games. 

8. Consistent Familiar Faces

In a dementia care home, the level of specialist dementia care required would rise as the symptoms progress, so it is important to offer them as much familiarity as possible. Having designated trained staff for each individual receiving dementia care can not only help them feel more comfortable as they will form a bond with their carer, but it will also avoid any extra confusion.

9. Open Door Policy

Ensuring individuals receiving dementia care still spend time with their nearest and dearest is just as important as them being around other residents. It will not only improve their mental well-being but will also act as a sanctuary for dementia residents and their families. Giving them the opportunity to come in with any questions will provide peace of mind for everybody.

Dementia Care at The Fleet

The Fleet Care Home situated by the coast of Dartmouth, Devon provides outstanding Residential Care, Dementia Care, Nursing Care and Respite Care, as well as luxury accommodation for 39 people. 

Designed with our residents in mind, our private, luxury home features sophisticated en-suite bedrooms, dining rooms, a library, a bistro, a landscaped garden and much more. 

We at The Fleet Care Home understand that everyone has different needs and that some may require more assistance than others. We get to know every one of our residents in order to understand what is important to that individual so that we can customise their experience based on their medical and personal needs as well as what makes them happy. 

We have an exceptional care team whose primary goal is to ensure that all residents get the best quality of life. Residents have shown enhanced confidence and independence, as well as improved overall health and social life while living with us. By providing person-centred care, a variety of activities and entertainment, outings and events, residents can live each day to the fullest.

Contact our team today to find out how The Fleet can help you or a loved one live a fulfilling and varied life at our welcoming care home by the coast.