Dementia care


independent as possible, even in a care home. Technology-based interventions


could address health and wellness, social connectivity, and staff support in different settings. Such interventions could be targeted at caregivers, people living with dementia, or both, and could include the use of mobile devices, online platforms, telehealth and wearables. We can also consider how existing


care models, services, and technologies can be innovated and the barriers that may be preventing this from occurring. Studying the obstructions to innovating dementia care will ensure that staff are able to understand how to provide better care, and existing care systems can be continually improved.


Innovation through staff Staff play a crucial role in the innovation of dementia care. As their relationship with residents and families is so close, carers can develop an in-depth understanding of the types of care that work for individuals and those that need to be innovated further. Whether it is integrating technology,


providing more activities and enrichment, or establishing new methods of visiting, staff are key in enabling care home operators to provide a cutting-edge care model. To ensure staff have the time to consider innovative approaches, it is important they are supported both mentally and physically. A mental health crisis within a care


setting can lead to ineffective care delivery, high staff turnover, and a place of work that does not attract new talent. This, in turn, leads to innovations within care no longer being prioritised.


Although challenges have been faced during the pandemic, we have also seen many leaps forward that have revolutionised how care is delivered


At Vida Healthcare, we offer our


staff resilience and mental health wellbeing sessions on a range of different programmes, including staff inductions and our Aspiring Leaders courses. We also offer follow up sessions, either in small groups or for individuals, on request to provide staff with a confidential and private space to explore their experiences, and give them a voice if they feel they are not being heard. Connectivity with residents and


their family members is also crucial. Opportunities to develop personal relationships with residents is important to engender trust and reduce stress, while connectivity with family members enables carers to showcase the crucial work they are doing. Connections with family members is


also likely to drive positive testimonials, which will provide carers with a sense of achievement and purpose in what they are doing. Investment in career opportunities


inspires people to become interested in a role within the sector, and makes current carers feel supported in their ambitions and therefore more inclined to work with care providers on the care models currently being deployed and how these can be innovated. Showing compassion and interest in


the personal development of employees will create a positive workplace culture and working environment that retains


August 2021 • www.thecarehomeenvironment.com


existing staff and attracts new talent. Recruiting and retaining staff who are passionate about caring for society’s vulnerable will also ensure that the workforce is committed to delivering best practice and learning new skills.


Innovation through residents The most important aspect of innovating care is to see the person living with dementia as a person, rather than their medical condition. The resident should always come first and staff can support this by changing and adapting to the needs of each individual; this includes innovating care. Having an insight and understanding


into what it might be like to live in the shoes of people living with dementia is educational, and can spark ideas as to how to innovate care effectively. Truly innovative care takes into account individuals who can express their needs verbally, and those who use non-verbal communication so that needs can be met and exceeded. Regularly monitor the enjoyment


that residents take from the activities, facilities and care available, and where there may be areas for improvement. This in turn will support innovation in care as care providers will be able to generate insight and understanding as to what is working as a whole, and what is working for each individual resident. Care home design is crucial in


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