DEMENTIA CARE Improving the Dementia Journey
Helen Woodland, Director of Provider Services, has worked for care and support service provider Optalis for over five years. Here, she advises on what care sector professionals can do to aid those living with dementia as best possible.
With dementia diagnosis across the UK continually rising, estimated to be at 2 million by 2051, it’s clear that there is a real need for appropriate support in the community for those living with dementia.
We truly believe that providing ‘physio’ for the brain and supporting people to remain independent in their own homes are one of the
most effective ways of improving the dementia journey.
At Optalis, our Day Centre Managers firmly believe in the saying “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” The work from the experienced team at our day centres in Berkshire provide the vital stepping stones to maintain independence, keep active and improve wellbeing. They provide a second home to those we support, a place where they feel safe and respected.
However, to be able to offer an innovative and evolving programme that seeks to continually improve our dementia service, we must be able to offer more than just our day centre service activities, as critical as they are to the community.
DIGNITY IN CARE
Optalis is committed to providing dignity when delivering care and support. To ensure we are able to accomplish this effectively, we have appointed dedicated Dignity Champions. These champions work closely with all of our services, helping to lead and steer this initiative, continually improving practice. Alongside this, our Dignity Champions receive additional support from our newly-formed Dignity Champion Network. The network offers champions the opportunity to share good practice and receive mutual support and advice.
DEMENTIA CARE ADVISORS
We employ a team of Dementia Care Advisors who are committed and experienced in supporting people living with dementia, their families and carers. The team’s focus is to ensure that people with dementia have access to the support they need to live well in the community. Dementia Care Advisors provide one-to-one support but also acknowledge the benefits of bringing people with lived experience together. Very recently, the team launched a monthly dementia drop- in initiative - a friendly, safe space where people can head to for advice, information and support. The drop-ins provide an opportunity to tackle the isolation and despair that people may feel when faced with a dementia diagnosis. With free sessions in two settings every month, the advisors work alongside other professionals and representatives from local
charities, with guest speakers delivering brief talks. Most importantly, the drop-ins are an opportunity to chat, ask questions and feel supported.
TECHNOLOGY AND DEMENTIA CARE
Our Optalis Telecare Specialist helps to promote innovative technological solutions in dementia care and advises on the suitability of products and best practice in assistive technology. This technology is then accessed via our social care professionals, who undertake a holistic assessment and then manage the process of putting the technology and equipment in place. An example would be installing and educating individuals on how to use smart speakers in the home, to set reminders and prompts.
Assistive technology continues to provide many benefits to those we support, including increased choice, safety, independence, sense of control and quality of life. Although it’s important to ensure the technology is the right fit for the person, it also helps if the person is introduced to the technology in the early stages of their dementia.
DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENTS
Suffolk Lodge provides residential care for older people with dementia and memory loss. Wanting to continually improve and enhance the environment, they invited Healthwatch to provide an assessment of how dementia friendly the home was. The audit took into account everything from lighting to outside space, and furniture to wayfinding. We understand that sometimes it can be the simplest of things that can make the difference to someone living with dementia.
Eager to take on board the recommendations put in place, a programme of improvements to the physical environment was put into place. This included personalising bedroom doors and theming communal areas and rooms. Suffolk Lodge made a conscious effort to move away from pre and post war themes, which seem to be the go-to themes when supporting reminiscence activities and engaged customers in choosing new themes from eras of their lifetime. The home now features a 50s-style diner and an area of swinging 60s. Customers and staff have been involved in choosing the decor and supporting the refurbishment.
We are committed to ensuring that wherever possible, all options are considered to support customers on their dementia journey, with the emphasis and focus on their abilities and helping them to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives through advice, activities and technology.
www.optalis.org
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www.tomorrowscare.co.uk
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