Why Person-Centred Care is the Foundation of Dementia Care Support

Nov 14, 2024

Dementia care support focuses on the unique needs of a person living with dementia. To provide the highest quality dementia care, there is no one-size-fits-all solution because everybody’s journey is different. We take you through our approach to dementia care support and why person-centred care is so important.

What is person-centred care?

Person-centred care is about recognising that despite having a similar diagnosis, no two people will experience dementia in exactly the same way. Every person is an individual and therefore has unique care and support needs. So, instead of treating the condition, person-centred care in dementia is determined by the individual’s needs, interests, preferences and unique journey. Importantly, it encourages people to maintain a full and rewarding life with dignity following a dementia diagnosis.

While supporting a person through their cognitive challenges is a major part of all dementia care, it’s important that difficulties should never be the focus. Rather, person-centred care aims to create more cherished moments and companionship, while still providing all the personal care a person needs.

Creating a dementia-friendly environment

The home environment plays a key role in dementia care support, which is why Group Homes Australia only offers warm, home-like settings. Much like all aspects of dementia care, this also requires a very personalised approach. However, there are a few specific areas of focus to consider.

Keeping spaces hazard-free is essential, while most dementia-friendly environments also have excellent lighting that suits a person’s needs and preferences. It’s important to create a sense of familiarity, as this not only makes daily tasks easier but also promotes a sense of belonging that’s crucial to a person’s emotional wellbeing.

Beyond these tips, a dementia-friendly home should be tailored to an individual’s needs, from kitchen layout to additional accessibility.

Addressing unmet needs with empathy

Dementia care support requires support partners and caregivers to understand that for many people with dementia, unmet needs are communicated through behaviours that could be considered challenging. So, it’s about finding out which needs aren’t being met and addressing them, rather than focusing on the behaviour itself. This approach requires patience and can be a challenging part of dementia care support, but it’s crucial to understand the emotions behind these unmet needs. Often, it’s a way for someone to communicate that they’re not comfortable or need a specific type of support. So, recognising this and being able to respond compassionately is essential for quality care.

Meaningful engagement

Another important part of dementia care support is meaningful engagement. This can come in many different forms depending on the person’s individual interests, background, hobbies and preferences. Whether it’s gardening, preparing meals, relaxing with some music, going for a walk, there are countless ways to ensure meaningful engagement.

This can come from other sources, too, such as spending time with family, making social connections or attending support groups. The key is that there are no limits to where you can find meaningful engagement for a person living with dementia. Person-centred care requires a real understanding of who the person is, looking past their dementia diagnosis. Through this understanding, you can create cherished moments that enhance a person’s life every day, which is hugely important for their overall wellbeing.

From mental and cognitive stimulation to reduced anxiety, meaningful engagement offers many benefits.

Maintaining physical health and mobility

Maintaining physical health is always an important part of dementia care. As dementia progresses, many people experience changes in strength and motor skills, difficulties with balance and reduced overall mobility. By staying physically active, people can reduce their risk of falls and enjoy the things they love for longer.

However, it’s important that all physical activities are carefully planned in line with a person’s capabilities. Nobody should feel pushed to do more than they feel able to, so whether it’s gentle stretching or a walk around the local park, tailored exercise can do wonders for people living with dementia.

Supporting emotional and mental wellbeing

While maintaining mobility and physical health is important, so is looking after a person’s emotional needs. People living with dementia may experience anxiety and depression, feel isolated or lonely, and also have a sense of confusion and frustration. Each person is different, and it’s also important to remember that emotional needs can change quickly. Dementia care support is about recognising how these emotional needs can be met to improve a person’s quality of life.

Need more information on dementia care support?

If you or a loved one is living with dementia, there is support available. Group Homes Australia offers person-centred dementia care support in warm environments that feel just like home. From permanent care to flexible respite, we have a range of options available to suit individual needs, and our Homemakers are highly trained to deliver the most compassionate, dignified care and support available. To find out how we can help, contact our friendly team today.

 

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