Dementia care homes can provide the necessary support and supervision that people living with dementia require. The right care home can enable individuals to lead a more normal and enjoyable life, despite the symptoms of dementia. click here to discover more about finding the best care home for someone living with dementia.

Understanding Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term used to encompass many progressive types of brain disorders which affect memory, thinking, problem-solving, language and behaviour. Different kinds of dementia can present varied symptoms, some more severe than others. There are many different causes including Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia is not a normal part of aging but is a disorder which affects around 850,000 people in the UK alone.

The Benefits of Dementia Care Homes

When the time comes where living independently is no longer safe for someone living with dementia, it can be difficult for family members and friends to find the best dementia care home for their loved one. With the multiple sclerosis of emotions which come with this decision, there may also be doubts as to whether a care home is really the right choice.

There are several benefits to placing a loved one in an environment specifically designed for dementia care:

• Tailored care plans with expert input from professionals in the field of dementia care
• A secure setting which is appropriate to physical, mental and emotional needs
• Opportunities to take part in activities with staff and other residents
• Regular social interaction to help maintain meaningful connections
• Access to a range of facilities and activities to aid health and wellbeing

In addition, having access to qualified medical personnel at all times can provide peace of mind for relatives who are unable to visit often and for those who worry about the welfare of their loved ones.

Important Considerations When Choosing a Dementia Care Home

Having weighed up the pros and cons of a dementia care home, the next step is to decide on the best suited residential care home. There are a few things to consider when making this important decision such as:

• Location – How close is the home and how easy will it be for family members to visit?
• Atmosphere – Is the home warm, welcoming and comfortable? Do the staff appear competent?
• Activities – What sort of activities are available? Will your loved one have opportunities to stay active and engaged?
• Safety – Are fire safety measures up to date and regular checks carried out? Are appropriate security systems in place?
• Accommodation – Does the home provide single or shared occupancy bedrooms? Are there facilities for cooking and cleaning?

Tips for Visiting

It is understandable that visiting a care home can be an unsettling experience for both relatives and the resident. To make the most of visits and provide support, here are a few tips:

• Be prepared – Before each visit it is helpful to know what you will be doing and to bring along any items requested by the care home.
• Focus on communication – Try to communicate successfully through verbal and non-verbal means whilst interacting with your loved one.
• Be flexible – It can be hard for a person with dementia to maintain a long conversation, so try to allow plenty of time for short conversations rather than long discussions.
• Observe – Take note of any issues that need attention and pass these onto the carers and manager.
• Be positive – Most importantly, remain upbeat during visits with your loved one. Celebrate successes and attempt to retain positive memories.

Advocating For Your Loved One

Ultimately, it is important to remember that your loved one has rights and that as a relative and advocate, you should use your voice to ensure they receive the best possible care. This includes speaking out if you feel that the care provided by the home is not to the expected standard. You can get help and advice from dementia charities such as Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK if you feel your rights are being infringed upon.

Finding the right care home for a person with dementia can be challenging. However, understanding their needs, researching suitable dementia care homes and advocating for the best possible quality of care can make all the difference in their life.