The No Place Like Home report found that one of the top concerns for people when thinking about dementia and their elderly relatives was that they may have to go into residential care (70%). Although residential care may be the right option for some people, there are other alternative options for people who have additional care needs and where possible they can be supported to live at home for as long as possible. Live in care is one of these options; if you care for someone with dementia, we've highlighted areas how you can make them feel more comfortable in their home, despite the nature of their illness.
CommunicationBody language is everything as is the tone of your voice. Set these so that they present a calm and respectful environment. Use touch where you need to as this may help develop a connection between you and your patient.
When sharing important information to trying to have a conversation, limit distractions such as the TV and ensure you use the patients known as first name. Always keep and maintain eye contact, getting down to their level if they are seated.
Too much information can be confusing, remember to break down into simple steps and where possible use visual aids to get the message across. Any questions should be simple and direct and in waiting for the response, patience should be exercised.
Join in with reminiscing about the past, this can be a welcome and calming activity for many people with dementia
Furniture and SignageDementia can make it confusing to recognise objects, colours and the functionality of items/equipment/areas in the home. Support your patient by making sure that the main rooms are easily recognisable with clear simple signage – such as the bathroom. Arrange furniture in non-contrasting colours so that the patient can differentiate between items – this will help prevent falls also.
In the kitchen, store food in clear containers so the contents can be easily recognisable. Use cutlery and other serving essentials as such tablecloths that are colour contrasted with the food.
Take pictures or create signs of drawer and cupboard contents and stick these on.
Stay activeHelp your elderly patient get out and about as much as possible. Research has shown this has great benefits for a person's wellbeing. Support them to keep up with activities they previously enjoyed. Research by the Live in Care Hub's quality of life study (www.liveincarehub.co.uk) found that 97% of people wanted to do some of the things they value and enjoy, regardless of their ill-health.
Handling troubling behaviourIf your patient is getting agitated or upset about a situation, try to employ distraction techniques i.e suggesting a walk, listening to some music or looking at photos. Always acknowledge their feelings though, so you may respond with 'I'm sorry you are feeling sad, lets go for a walk'.
Look for behaviour triggers so that you can be prepared when the situation arises. Appreciate that all behaviour has a purpose and is rooted in the elderly patients need for something or a connection to past memories/actions.
If you are concerned about deteriorating behaviour, seek help from health professionals. There may be an underlying medical cause that could be treated.
Choose kindness and humourHumour may be a useful strategy to help your patient deal with a situation, although don’t use it at their expense. Try to make them laugh – they will enjoy sharing a joke and having someone to laugh with. Reassure them with verbal and physical expressions of comfort for example holding hand or hugging.
The No Place Like Home report found that one of the top concerns for people when thinking about dementia and their elderly relatives was that they may have to go into residential care (70%). Although residential care may be the right option for some people, there are other alternative options for people who have additional care needs and where possible they can be supported to live at home for as long as possible. Live in care is one of these options; if you care for someone with dementia, we've highlighted areas how you can make them feel more comfortable in their home, despite the nature of their illness.
CommunicationBody language is everything as is the tone of your voice. Set these so that they present a calm and respectful environment. Use touch where you need to as this may help develop a connection between you and your patient.
When sharing important information to trying to have a conversation, limit distractions such as the TV and ensure you use the patients known as first name. Always keep and maintain eye contact, getting down to their level if they are seated.
Too much information can be confusing, remember to break down into simple steps and where possible use visual aids to get the message across. Any questions should be simple and direct and in waiting for the response, patience should be exercised.
Join in with reminiscing about the past, this can be a welcome and calming activity for many people with dementia
Furniture and SignageDementia can make it confusing to recognise objects, colours and the functionality of items/equipment/areas in the home. Support your patient by making sure that the main rooms are easily recognisable with clear simple signage – such as the bathroom. Arrange furniture in non-contrasting colours so that the patient can differentiate between items – this will help prevent falls also.
In the kitchen, store food in clear containers so the contents can be easily recognisable. Use cutlery and other serving essentials as such tablecloths that are colour contrasted with the food.
Take pictures or create signs of drawer and cupboard contents and stick these on.
Stay activeHelp your elderly patient get out and about as much as possible. Research has shown this has great benefits for a person's wellbeing. Support them to keep up with activities they previously enjoyed. Research by the Live in Care Hub's quality of life study (www.liveincarehub.co.uk) found that 97% of people wanted to do some of the things they value and enjoy, regardless of their ill-health.
Handling troubling behaviourIf your patient is getting agitated or upset about a situation, try to employ distraction techniques i.e suggesting a walk, listening to some music or looking at photos. Always acknowledge their feelings though, so you may respond with 'I'm sorry you are feeling sad, lets go for a walk'.
Look for behaviour triggers so that you can be prepared when the situation arises. Appreciate that all behaviour has a purpose and is rooted in the elderly patients need for something or a connection to past memories/actions.
If you are concerned about deteriorating behaviour, seek help from health professionals. There may be an underlying medical cause that could be treated.
Choose kindness and humourHumour may be a useful strategy to help your patient deal with a situation, although don’t use it at their expense. Try to make them laugh – they will enjoy sharing a joke and having someone to laugh with. Reassure them with verbal and physical expressions of comfort for example holding hand or hugging.
