Dementia care


The role of loved ones in care and interventions


There has been little research to determine the best way of involving the family in care or interventions in people living with dementia in care homes, says Sue Brewin, an associate dementia trainer for the Alzheimer’s Society


In 2016, The Carers Trust and the Royal College of Nursing published The Triangle of Care, Carers Included: A guide to best practice for dementia care. The guide sets out a model that supports a partnership approach between the person with dementia, staff members and the carer. It describes how the meaningful involvement and inclusion of carers can lead to the better care of people with dementia, with the ultimate aim of meeting the needs of both.


The focus of the guide is on the need to improve carer involvement in hospital settings, although it aims to establish consistent involvement and support across all health and social care services irrespective of where and when the person is being treated.


The guide identifies six key standards required to achieve better collaboration and partnership with carers: l carers and the essential role they have are identified at first contact or as soon as possible thereafter


l staff are ‘carer aware’ and trained in carer engagement strategies


l policy and practice protocols regarding confidentiality and sharing information are in place


l defined post(s) responsible for carers are in place


l a carer introduction to the service and staff is available with a relevant range of information across the care pathway


l a range of carer support services are available.


Obser vations


As part of my role as associate dementia trainer for the Alzheimer’s Society training and consultancy team, I observe the lived experience of people with dementia by examining the interactions that take place


The guide sets outa model that supports a partnership approach between the person with dementia, staff members and the carer


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between them, staff and family members. On a personal level, I supported my aunt through her dementia journey and ultimately the move into a care home. My introduction to the care home where my aunt was going to be living for the rest of her life consisted of a glossy brochure, a tour of the building and lots of promises regarding ‘individualised care’. The choice of home, which was made after endless tours, was ultimately based on location and finding an environment that best suited her lifestyle.


Care homes are familiar places to me, but for many people, when their family


www.thecarehomeenvironment.com • April 2020


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