Dementia Care – Taking a person-centred approach
Caring for a person living with dementia can be both rewarding and complex. Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT know that every person living with dementia can have different needs, and individual support and person-centred care is vital to managing the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.
The key points of person-centred care include:
• Treating the person with dignity and respect
• Understanding the person’s history, their lifestyle, culture and preferences
• Looking at situations from the point of view of the person with dementia
• Providing opportunities for the person to have conversations and relationships with other people
• Ensuring the person has the chance to try new things or take part in activities they enjoy.
About Dementia
Dementia describes a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. Dementia may affect thinking, memory and behaviour to varying levels, which will change in time. A person’s journey with dementia is a unique experience, as is life. The actual specific dementia that a person is living with may determine certain symptoms, however an ongoing assessment of a person’s journey is essential in understanding and appreciating the uniqueness of an individual’s needs, regardless of their diagnosis.
The impact on a person’s life living with dementia, and also their loved ones is variable. However, what is consistent is the need for a person living with dementia to feel heard, understood, supported and safe.
Dementia can happen to anyone and is more common after the age of 65 years. The most common type of Dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which is responsible for over 50% of all Dementia cases.
Types of Dementia
There are many different types of Dementia. The most common are:
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Vascular Dementia
• Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)
How we offer support
Every person living with dementia can be different. Southern Cross Care can provide individualised dementia support services and social interaction for people living with dementia so they can live a meaningful and purposeful life.
Dementia in residential care
Our homes are warm, safe and secure with engaging beneficial activities, as well as restorative and enabling therapies such as pet therapy, music therapy and sensory gardens. We equally understand that the journey for relatives of those living with dementia can be emotionally challenging and diverse. We partner with our families in our ongoing assessment and care planning strategies which help residents to live life to the full and can help arrange support services for carers of dementia patients.
Dementia in home care
We can help with a range of home care services to provide dementia person centred care at home. Our trained professionals can help maintain your independence and quality of life by providing personal and domestic support, including help with medication, meals, nursing and allied health services, transport, home maintenance or modification, mobility aids and much more.
The National Dementia Helpline is also a valuable resource for information and advice.
Questions ?
For more information about our dementia care support, call us on 1800 632 314 or contact us online for more information.