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The final blog in this month’s Good Care series considers what good care looks like and follows on from the previous two articles which discussed starting the conversation about care and the different types of care available.
We know from both carers and people living with dementia that choosing care is not just difficult but can also be emotional. Searching for any care, let alone the right care, can seem like an impossible task, but knowing and understanding what to look for can help get things on the right track.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines state that person-centred care underpins good practice in dementia care. Through our Day Breaks respite care service, Sage House strives to address the diverse needs associated with dementia, supporting people throughout their journey and improving their quality of life.
Choosing “good” dementia care means identifying a care option that offers holistic individual and personalised care. The care needs to not only be right for the individual at that moment in time but be able to adapt to the changing needs of that person. Since dementia is a progressive disease, meaning symptoms can both change and develop, what might be right for a person one month, may not be right the next. This is why, when searching for care options, it is important to plan ahead to find care that enables long-term support.
A positive, holistic approach to dementia care should meet the physical, social, psychological and medical needs of each individual. The provision of care will present differently at different stages for each person as there is not one size that fits all in dementia care.
The first step in seeking good, person-centred dementia care is to have a solid understanding of the individual requiring care. Identify what is important to them, their life history and what has made them who they are. Consider their abilities as well as their difficulties and take into account any emotional and psychological needs.
In order to then identify “good” care, it is important to try to match the care offering to the person. Good care must be safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led in line with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Some of the key questions to consider in order to identify good care are below:
Person-Centred Care
Is a life history requested to aid communication and connect with the person?
Is the care plan truly personalised? Does the individual or family have a say in what it looks like and what outcomes they want to achieve?
Is the person empowered to feel involved in their care and have conversations which focus on what is important to them and utilise their strengths maintaining independence where able?
Is the person seen as a ‘whole’ person reflective of their life history or is just the dementia seen?
Has the person been asked what improves their quality of life as well as what support they need?
Communication
Is the communication effective?
How are care partners communicated with?
Is the person listened to in a manner which can build a trusting professional relationship?
Are all the senses used to engage and communicate with someone?
Is the feeling that a person is trying to communicate through behaviour understood and identified?
Is the person’s perspective considered and understood when trying to connect with them?
Environment
Is the environment dementia friendly and considers all the senses?
Are the positives from the environment used to support the individual in a personalised way?
Is the environment used to encourage active engagement and minimise anxiety?
Trained Staff
Are the staff all dementia trained and truly dementia aware?
What interventions are used to meet emotional needs or anxiety?
How do the staff respond to difficult situations?
Are the staff aware of sensory challenges associated with dementia and how do they recognise and respond to these?
Finding good care must consider the individuality of the person living with dementia, what is important to them and how the care can enhance their quality of life. The care must also consider the needs of the care partner and family members, ensuring that their input is included in the person’s care plan.
At Sage House we will continue to strive to offer not just good care, but excellent respite day care.
“Sage House gives me something to look forward to. I am always happy to be brought over here. It makes still being alive and breathing enjoyable."
Person Living With Dementia
This is how every person receiving care should feel. If you need more support or advice about care or other aspects of your dementia journey, please contact the Wayfinding team at Sage House via email at info@dementiasupport.org.uk.