What Does Dementia Care In Aberdeen Look Like?

What is a Dementia Care?

Dementia is a condition which affects someone’s mental capabilities, such as their speech, critical thinking and their memory. There are many different levels of dementia and no two people are the same, some may only need little assistance whereas others may require more care and support. Dementia care can also be provided from the early stages all the way through to Palliative Care. Experience has shown that if someone with dementia is receiving the correct level of care and support, then they can continue living their lives to the fullest. Here at Woodlands, we’re proud to offer Dementia Care in Aberdeen and we strive to identify the needs and requirements of each resident, meaning we can deliver exceptional care which encourages a sense of independence for as long as possible.

The London School of Economics found that there are at least 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK which is expected to rise in 2040 to 1.6 million. Therefore, many more people will be looking to move into a care home that offers Dementia Care in Aberdeen, within a secure, safe and familiar environment, surrounded by a team of professionals.

For a person living with dementia, their dementia symptoms can vary which can then affect them from doing certain activities as well as being able to live independently. Additionally, as symptoms progress, it's highly important for those with dementia to receive the best care possible. A lot of care homes, including ours will hold meetings with current and prospective residents as well as their families to ensure their needs, requirements, likes and dislikes are all outlined helping us be able to build a daily lifestyle alongside a routine suited to each individual.

We understand that coming to terms with someone you love going through dementia and possibly needing to move them into a care home can be extremely difficult. However, it is essential that you get a medical expert to diagnose their condition to make sure appropriate steps are taken going forward. If the individual with dementia has more severe symptoms, their loved one will become their power of attorney, through the local authority, legally allowing them to provide written authorisation of their best interests due to limited mental capacity, meaning their unable to make their own decision.

What Makes a Care Home Dementia Friendly?

There are many ways in which care homes can create familiar environments to ensure it becomes dementia friendly. When writing up personalised care plans for our residents and their loved ones, we ensure to make notes of those with dementia to make sure their bedroom is best suited to their needs. Here are a few things you could include within your dementia care home…

Contrasting Colours: You would be surprised at how many things in a room can cause unnecessary confusion and distress for those with dementia and it is all to do with the changes in perception, one being colour schemes. For example, if there is a rug in the middle of a room, it can seem like a hole in the floor, so it’s very important to eliminate these obstacles. Additionally, if floors, furnishings and walls are a similar colour, they can seem as if they’re blending into something, therefore patterns should be kept to a minimum and you should look into dementia friendly furnishings, as residents can interpret them as something jumping out at them.

Themed Corridors: Themed corridors have become increasingly popular within care homes, this means having photographs of actors, singers and even adverts from certain eras places around the home. Some also include more hands on activities with easy access, such as writing letters and posting them into the homes’ postbox, setting up fake gardening areas including faux plants which then encourages more thinking points for residents. These areas also help residents start up conversations with one another, whether it’s in the moment or looking back, reflecting on a time in their life that they can remember.

Memory Boxes: Memory boxes are also used in many care homes, it’s a place to store photos of friends and family, or objects that are signifiant to each individual. These boxes will be placed just outside their bedroom door to help remind a resident that it’s their bedroom. Additionally, any other personal belongings can also be placed in and around the room to make sure all residents feel comfortable and content, especially if they’re feeling lost at all.

Proper Signage: Signs above doors with photos can also help someone living with dementia find their way around the care home. Some individuals will associate better with a photo rather than words and vice versa, so it’s a good idea to have both.

Specialist Lighting & Secure Doors: Did you know there is something called ‘Sundowning’? This is something only those with dementia experience, it is when the sun goes down which then means their agitation increases, therefore it is ideal to have specialist lighting in bedrooms, especially to help individuals find their way at night if needed. Following on from this, secure doors and security is extremely important for those with dementia and it also means that you will feel at rest knowing your loved one is safe and secure.

An Outside Space: Vitamin D and fresh air is essential for everyone’s wellbeing. No matter how much space a care home might have, a landscaped garden or sensory gardens are essential. Outdoor spaces designed for enhancing senses can be beneficial for those with dementia, providing them with opportunities to get involved with other gardening activities.

Friendly Activities for Those With Dementia in Aberdeen: Most care homes will offer activities for all abilities, helping in more ways than one, especially for someone with memory loss. Something as simple as allowing someone to make their own lunch will encourage a resident to feel a sense of normality as it is something they would have usually done within their own home. Music, singing and dancing can also be used as a form of therapy, as well as reliving memories from a specific time in their lives. Another activity which is great for someone with dementia would be drawing, colouring and painting, it’s a calming activity which can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter their ability. It’s also ideal to look into activities which can enhance someones cognitive thinking such as board games, puzzles and reading.

Consistent Familiar Faces: When an individuals symptoms progresses their level of care will also increase, therefore it is important to provide them with as much familiarity as possible, which is why a lot of care homes will give a resident a designated staff member who is specially trained. These key nurses will help them feel comfortable and content, forming a bond with one another and avoiding any further or extra confusion.

Open Door Policy: Many homes, especially here at Woodlands encourage residents to not only spend time with other residents but also spend time with their friends and family. This will not only improve their mental health and wellbeing, but it also helps their daily communication, acting as a sanctuary for both our residents and their family members. It also gives any friends or family members the opportunity to come in with any questions that they may have, meaning we can help and provide them with a peace of mind.

Woodlands Care Home for Dementia Care in Aberdeen

Woodlands Care Home provides unwavering dedication to person centred care in Aberdeen. Within our home, we deliver a lifestyle of luxury alongside outstanding care, tailored to not just a person with Dementia but also Residential Care, Nursing Care where we have qualified nurses as a part of our team, Respite Care and Palliative Care. 

We are proud to offer Dementia Care in Aberdeen for residents living with dementia and our purpose-build care home is designed specifically with our dementia residents in mind, from dementia care home rooms and sensory rooms, to special cutlery for dining. Alongside our expert trained staff, who provide personal care, we also have amazing wellbeing coordinators who go above and beyond to ensure the activities we have on within our home are appropriate for those with dementia, helping them thrive in daily life.

If you would like to find out more about how our dementia care home can help your loved one, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team today. We can even arrange for you to take a tour of our warm and welcoming home so you can truly see if this is the right care home.