dementia elderly

Designing dementia
care around needs

Identifying behaviour changes as they occur

Rose lives at Wallarah Point Care Community. Our team noticed Rose displaying some behaviour changes due to dementia, such as self-isolating, becoming withdrawn from her friends and other residents, disliking certain foods and low self-esteem.

Our team are working with Rose and her family to deeply understand her social and emotional care needs and to adapt her care plan to address these changes in her wellbeing.

Our team talked with Rose about her life history including the dynamics of her family. Rose shared insights about her work life and her husband who had been a respected police officer. Ongoing discussions delved into how Rose would like to be treated by others in the Care Community and the things that are important to her.

Designing dementia care

Creating a care plan that helps Rose thrive

Our team identified homely items that made Rose feel secure and at ease. They decorated her bedroom with family photos and personal items that are special to Rose.

A keen gardener and a florist, Rose now has her own ecological footprint in our Care Community in the form of a garden bed created especially for her to grow flowers and herbs. For Rose it is a retreat and enables her to enjoy spending time outdoors in a purposeful way. It also brings pleasure to other residents in our Care Community.

Understanding how much Rose enjoys flower arranging, our team set up an indoor ‘flower workshop’ at Wallarah Point, where Rose and her friends can arrange flowers any time.

Rose also enjoys colouring in activities. It boosts her confidence and helps with organising and problem solving skills, enabling Rose to be ‘in flow’ and live in the moment. Understanding the reason for her behaviour changes and finding ways to generate periods of focus is very important for residents who are living with dementia.

Rose has also begun to make friends, connecting with a fellow resident, sharing interests and doing activities together.

Our team has regular huddles and monthly reviews, where they share knowledge and communicate changes to Rose’s routine, including her likes and dislikes.

Rose in garden

Comfortable and confident in care

Rose has settled into our Care Community and is able to live with purpose and enjoyment in every day. She is confident to initiate self–directed activity and participates in group activities doing things she enjoys like floral arranging, playing bingo, gardening and colouring. Taking part in cooking classes helps her to enjoy her meals each day.

Rose is feeling secure and comfortable in her environment, so much so that she is now helping new residents settle into our Care Community.

Rose painting

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Commonly asked questions about Dementia

  • Dementia isn’t a single disease, but a term used to describe the symptoms of a range of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in the ability to think and perform everyday tasks. It can also lead to changes in personality and behaviour. While there is no cure for dementia, it’s important to keep in mind that it is possible to continue to maintain a good quality of life for many people. For more information, click here.

  • There are many types of dementia but the most common causes include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. Understanding the symptoms associated with each type of dementia can help in ensuring each person’s care needs are met.

  • Thinking about the move into residential care is never easy and can bring up all sorts of emotions. It’s time to start the conversation about moving into care when you have concerns that your loved one isn’t coping well with day-to-day activities or if you feel safety is a concern. The earlier you start the conversation, the more time everyone will have to consider options and make informed decisions.

  • Dementia has a huge impact not only on the person who has been diagnosed, but also on those closest to them. Some of the feelings commonly experienced by carers include guilt, grief, loss and even anger. Even if your loved one isn’t ready to move into long-term care, feel free to arrange for a chat with our knowledgeable team who’ll be happy to offer advice or put you in touch with other carers who are going through the same thing and can offer support and understanding. 

  • Think about a short stay in respite care to start with. Perhaps arrange to go and have lunch or participate in an activity that your loved one enjoys. This will give you both a chance to find out if the Care Community feels like a good fit and it will give you both confidence in your decision.

    It’s natural to feel apprehensive about making such a big decision. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Our team understands that it can feel overwhelming and they can provide direct support and suggest strategies to make things easier.

  • Moving house is among the most stressful life events. When moving house is combined with a big life change like moving into residential care, it can have a significant impact. Often the move into care comes about as a result of a traumatic event such as a fall rather than a considered decision process, so the circumstances around the move can feel overwhelming and out of the person’s control. Sometimes the person moving into care can take out their frustrations on their family if they don’t feel in control. It’s important to ensure that your loved one feels a part of the decision making process. If this happens, try not to take it personally. Our team are here to help and support both you and your loved one through this time.

  • Everyone’s different but on average you can expect most people to start feeling more comfortable and at home in around two to six weeks. It’s a big adjustment so try not to get disheartened if it seems to take a while. The most important thing is to just take each day at a time and speak with our leadership team if you have any concerns.