How Are Dementia Residents Supported in a Care Home?
Each person's experience of living with dementia varies, as does their needs for care and support. Dementia progresses over time which typically causes the care and support needs of an individual to increase as symptoms worsen, therefore people with dementia will require assistance with everyday tasks such as washing, getting dressed, eating and bathing.
In the beginning, people may simply need reminding to carry out everyday tasks, while the later stages may mean they need complete around-the-clock assistance. Whether you are helping someone to live independently with dementia or are a carer, as a person’s care needs increase, it may mean a move into a care home can better meet those needs.
If you hold a lasting power of attorney over your loved one due to their lack of mental capacity, you can make decisions such as moving them into a residential care home if you believe it's in their best interests. While this can be a difficult decision to make, there are many positive aspects a care home can bring.
24-hour Support from Skilled Care Staff
Many care homes and nursing homes specialise in dementia care and their trained and experienced dementia team go above and beyond in all they do, working with residents who live with dementia and their families to discover activities and therapies that are suited to their unique requirements. Many care homes adopt an open-door policy and welcome visitors at any hour of the day or night. A care strategy ensures prompt and attentive care on a 24 hour basis.
A Safe & Secure Environment
Our surroundings have a huge impact on our quality of life, particularly when trying to make sense of the world around us. Many care homes have been purposefully built and considerately designed with residents in mind; promoting as independent and stress-free a life as possible. A care home will create a homely atmosphere where noise and bright lights are reduced, which is particularly important for dementia residents. A safe, homely and easily understood environment that emulates a residential setting is pivotal to both our dementia residents and their loved ones, providing reassurance to all.
Social Benefits
The care staff believes all residents should be able to make the most of every day, no matter what. Residents are encouraged to continue doing what makes them happy, whether it’s enjoying their favourite film in the cinema, enjoying a Sunday lunch with loved ones or partaking in a regular arts and crafts session. The activities coordinators go to great lengths to ensure dementia-friendly activities are incorporated into a weekly programme. They do everything we can to provide individuals with everything they need to live the life they deserve, with the option of enjoying their days quietly and alone or having social contact with other residents during a social activity.
Dementia Family Support
Many care homes provide dementia care support to both people living with dementia and their families. From initial diagnosis of dementia through to ongoing management of the condition and associated medication, a care home that provides dementia care is equipped to provide practical and emotional support to both residents, their family members and loved ones.
A Personal Touch
All residents are encouraged to personalise their own room with familiar furniture, pictures and any other belongings that help create a homely feel and help preserve memories for as long as possible in their new home. The care home staff are on hand to help to customise residents' rooms in a way that celebrates who they are while helping them to live as independently as possible.
The Cost of Dementia Care
Care homes that provide dementia care can charge a higher fee for this type of specialist care. People living with dementia often require a higher level of care and support and so higher fees are expected. The care staff working within a dementia unit will receive regular dementia training to keep up to date with the latest dementia research, technology and practices. The home will also provide appropriate social activities and therapies to help reduce the symptoms associated with the condition, such as stress and distress.
Residents are typically expected to pay their own care costs however not everyone is able to afford the fees. This is when you can contact your local council for a financial assessment. They will look at your finances and decipher whether you are eligible for local authority funding so long as your finances do not go over the threshold. The first step is to contact your local council to get the process started.
Dementia Support at Templeton House Care Home
Templeton House is a purpose built nursing care situated in the pleasant town of Ayr in South Ayrshire, offering around-the-clock Dementia Care, Residential Care, Nursing Care and Respite Care.
We recognise that no two people with dementia are alike, and that although some may only require modest assistance in managing their everyday lives, others may require significantly more which is dependent on individual circumstances. Residents from all walks of life are welcomed into our care home, where they will be treated with compassion and correctly cared for following a care needs assessment.
Our staff takes the time to get to know our residents and their families in order to develop an appropriate care plan that will allow them to feel content, comfortable and well-adjusted. Our person-centred approach successfully couples medical with well being care, offering comprehensive support that is recognised and appreciated by both you and your loved ones.
Our primary goal is to give older people the best possible quality of daily life; a place where they are able to benefit from the advantages of living in a care home with like-minded people free from the worry of everyday tasks and running a household.
Dementia Respite Care
We recognise that everyone requires a break from time to time. Many carers need a break when caring for a person with dementia and this is where respite care can provide relief to everyone. Respite care at Templeton House Care Home will be tailored to the residents’ current personal care needs. Our team is committed to providing the best person-centred care to each and every one of our residents, whether they are with us for a long term or short term stay.
“My wife was a resident in the care home for 3 years. Due to her Alzheimer’s, her quality of life deteriorated especially over the final 2 weeks. During those difficult days, the staff were simply amazing in the care and love shown, not only to her but also to myself and my family. Nothing was too much bother for them. No praise is too high for them.”
Overall Experience: 5/5
Review from J R (Husband of Resident)
You can find this review and read others here.
We’re Here to Help
Researching care homes, and recognising and understanding the specific care requirements someone needs when living with dementia can be difficult. Knowing where to turn or who to turn to can be a challenge, and dementia research can feel overwhelming. Here at Templeton Care Home, we offer advice and support to our existing residents, future residents and their loved ones, as well as supporting them in determining the best course of action.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with dementia or are a carer looking for help with dementia care we welcome you to get in touch with any questions you have regarding our care services.
Additional Support
- Visit Dementia UK's website - Dementia UK
- Visit Alzheimer's Research UK's website - Alzheimers Research UK
- Visit the Age UK website - Age UK
- Visit Alzheimer's Society website - Alzheimers Society
