Dementia care
the resident’s skin. Repositioning is undertaken to reduce the duration and magnitude of pressure over vulnerable areas of the body, and to contribute to the residents comfort, hygiene, dignity and functional ability.43
Seating Evidence suggests that effective seating can help to reduce muscle atrophy, improve sitting balance, strength and conditioning44 by considering the following. l Adjusting the chair to the individuals body shape, ensuring their feet are on the footplate to prevent any neurological complications.
l Head, torso and arm postural support. l Tilt in space for effective repositioning.
l Appropriate pressure redistribution seat cushion to support immersion and envelopment.
Depending on an individualised risk assessment the use of a hoist may be used to facilitate standing to allow visual skin inspection or transfer from the chair to undertake hygiene activities and so on.
Hygiene care and wellbeing for people living with dementia This routine was previously carried out independently and in the privacy of their own home. Supporting hygiene activities in a care setting can be complex due to the resident’s symptoms and individual needs. Assessment and planning with the person is required to support their independence and personal dignity. People with reduced cognitive abilities
will require support, encouraging guidance and supervision to be able to actively participate. Depending on the facility’s available equipment, hygiene choices are centred on bathing, showering or washing within or at the bedside. Investment in the right environment,
suitable assistive equipment and adoption of evidence-based practice can help improve clinical outcomes,45 workflow efficiencies and financial benefits to the facility.46
References for this article are available upon request.
Hygiene care is
more than helping the person to become clean: it has the potential to aid wellness, provide much needed relaxation and improve quality of care for the resident.47
Conclusion As the number of residents living with dementia continues to rise, so does the need for support - both at a carer and facility level - focusing on understanding the needs of the individual and centering care around the body and mind. As dementia advances, the impact on
the resident, their relatives and friends is life changing and profound. Therefore, as discussed, it is paramount that a flexible tailored solution that supports the resident’s abilities, wellbeing and dignity is implemented.
TCHE
For dependent residents, a combination of bed articulation, mattress immersion and envelopment, a modular positioning system which provides proprioceptive stimuli, may help to reduce paratonia, contractures and pressure ulcer formation
42 Mary Muir
Mary Muir BA (Hons), Dip N (Lon), FAETC, Patient Handling Cert, SRN (Rtd) is marketing manager of Arjo UK and Ireland. Mary had 34 years of experience of working in a variety of healthcare settings as a nurse, manager and back care advisor. Mary joined Arjo in 2004 and has worked as a clinical specialist, sales and contract manager, before taking up her current position of marketing manager. Mary has presented at international, national and regional conferences and has published on the management of plus size people and early mobilisation.
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com • March 2021
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