The Importance of Bespoke Dementia Units in Care Homes

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a broad term used to describe a range of cognitive disorders characterised by a decline in memory, cognitive function, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It is not a specific disease but rather a condition resulting from various underlying causes, the most common of which is Alzheimer's disease. Other causes include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia often manifests as memory loss, impaired judgment, difficulty with language and communication, and challenges in problem-solving. As the condition progresses, individuals may experience changes in personality and behavior, leading to increased dependency on others for daily tasks.

The impact of dementia extends beyond the individual to affect their families and caregivers. Providing care for someone with dementia requires patience, understanding, and flexibility due to the unpredictable nature of the condition. Early diagnosis and appropriate interventions can help manage symptoms, improve the quality of life for individuals affected, and provide support for their families. Research into dementia continues, with ongoing efforts to better understand its mechanisms, develop effective treatments, and explore preventive measures to mitigate its impact on individuals and society as a whole.

What is Dementia Care?

Dementia care in a care home is a specialised and person-centered approach designed to meet the specific needs of older people living with dementia. Care homes providing dementia care create environments that prioritise safety, comfort, and familiarity. Trained staff members work to understand each resident's background, preferences, and life history to tailor care plans that promote a sense of continuity and well-being. The care home setting for dementia often incorporates features such as dementia care units, clear signage, secure outdoor spaces, communal areas and sensory rooms to provide a supportive and engaging atmosphere.

In care homes and nursing homes, staff members are equipped to address the challenges associated with cognitive decline, including memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes. Activities programmes are designed to stimulate cognitive functions, encourage social interaction, and promote a sense of purpose for residents. Care staff are trained to communicate effectively, using techniques that reduce agitation and enhance residents' understanding. The goal of dementia care in a care home is to enhance the quality of life for residents by creating a safe and nurturing environment that fosters independence to the greatest extent possible.

Why are Bespoke Dementia Units important?

Bespoke Dementia Units provide older people with a safe environment in which they can live a fulfilled, independent life. These units are considerately designed to ensure accessibility and safety; a place where residents can live their own life, while being supported by professionals. From specialist cutlery to adjustable lighting, Dementia Units provide peace of mind to both residents and loved ones.

Many care homes with a dementia unit, offer dementia-friendly activities and therapies. This includes activities such as reminiscence, music therapy, creative projects and sensory activities; some may even have dedicated sensory rooms. Sensory rooms can help to calm older adults with challenging behaviours which are common in those with dementia, and a few of the benefits include sensory stimulation, improved attention, social interaction, enhanced motor skills and reduced agitation.

Dementia Care at Rubislaw Care Home

We proudly provide specialist Dementia Care here at Rubislaw Park Care Home. Led by the talented and experienced Unit Team Leader, Lynn Crockett, our Dementia Care team provides personal care, as well as support that provides comfort and positive engagement for all our residents living with dementia.

Nurse Liz and Andre work in the Dementia Unit; having two specialist nurses ensures we provide 24 hour medical care for those with dementia who may have other health issues such as a medical condition or physical disability. Our dedicated nurses utilise a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MTD), ensuring each resident receives a high standard of care from a professional who specialises in their field; bringing together a group of experts ensures dementia residents receive the best possible care that is entirely tailored to their individual needs.

Rubislaw Park is home to a purpose-built Dementia Unit with a carefully thought-out interior design to provide an array of amenities and facilities that promote independence and stimulation. Lynn and the wonderful Dementia Unit team are highly skilled and experienced in providing person centred care through a person centred approach.

Our bespoke 28-bedded Unit is available exclusively to residents living with Dementia; built around 2 beautiful courtyard areas, each room has ensuite facilities and there is an abundance of luxury living areas where residents can enjoy company with friends or in a quiet area reading or enjoying a movie.

In our dementia unit, the use of colored bedroom doors and clear signage holds significant importance in enhancing the well-being and quality of life of residents. Individuals living with dementia often face challenges related to memory loss and disorientation, making it crucial to create an environment that is both visually distinct and easily navigable.

Colored bedroom doors serve as a valuable visual cue, aiding residents in identifying their own living spaces. The use of distinct colors not only helps residents recognise their rooms but also contributes to a sense of personalisation and individuality. This approach helps to mitigate confusion and anxiety, offering a familiar and recognisable feature for residents.

Clear signage further reinforces spatial orientation within the dementia unit. Large, bold, and easily readable signs with high-contrast colors and simple, familiar symbols assist residents in finding essential areas such as communal spaces, dining areas, and activity rooms.

Within the dementia unit, there is an abundance of tailored activity supported by our specially trained activity coordinators where 1:1 activities are offered to those residents who may struggle with group interaction.

For our more social residents, our specialist unit also offers fantastic opportunities to meet and make new friends whilst supported with daily activities they may have been finding difficult at home. Our Dementia choir, for example, is extremely popular with residents meeting each Tuesday.

We are continually developing our Dementia Unit and plans for an outdoor sensory space and pottery shed are well underway. We can't wait to enjoy these wonderful areas with our residents and provide another safe setting where they can thrive.

We’re here to help

Deciding to relocate to a care home, either for yourself or a loved one, is a significant step; we recognise that this is a challenging time to navigate and knowing where to turn or who to turn to can be tough. Here at Rubislaw Park, we can offer support to our existing residents, future residents and their loved ones, as well as supporting them in determining the best course of action. We welcome you to get in touch if you have any questions regarding our care services.