Dementia Care at Caerleon

We know memory loss affects every individual differently and its potential impact on any of our resident is no different. Our Dementia care team understands this and recognizes the challenge facing each dementia affected resident. Our team prises on meeting daily preferences and needs of the resident armed with the above knowledge.

We focus on understanding each resident to provide person-centred care, comfort and security in a familiar and enabling environment. Our teams use a strengths-based approach to enable each of our residents to live meaningful lives with purpose. Every resident will have their own Individual Activity Plan to ensure that the activities we offer meet their interest, abilities and needs.

And-because nutrition and hydration play such a vital part of a person’s wellbeing, our chefs prepare specialised meals to meet the dietary needs of our residents. We also offer family style dining to help residents engage in the meal-time experience often accompanied by care-staff who encourage and support social relationships.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a disability and not an illness. With the right environment and appropriate techniques, it can be managed so that your loved one can continue to have a rich and fulfilling life. The word “Dementia” is a collective name for a set of symptoms which have to do with how the brain functions.

People with symptoms of dementia may have problems with their memory – with remembering events or experiences they’ve had, recalling facts and or concepts about their world, remembering how to do routine tasks or thinking ahead of what needs to happen in the future.

They may also have trouble recognising objects, performing everyday activities or understanding and using language.

What are the symptoms of Dementia?

The Alzheimer’s Society originally published the following ten signs of dementia. If you recognise these symptoms in your loved one, speak with a doctor.

  • Experiencing difficulty remembering recent events while readily recalling past events
  • Finding it hard to follow conversations or programmes on the TV or radio
  • Forgetting the names of friends or family or the words for everyday objects
  • Repeating the same stories
  • Losing the thread of a thought or a conversation
  • Finding it difficult to think or reason through a situation
  • Feeling anxious, depressed, or angry about forgetfulness
  • Comments from other people about your loved one’s memory problems
  • Feeling confused, even in familiar environments and scenarios
  • Increasing difficulty in reading, talking and writing

What makes the symptoms of dementia worse?

A lack of proper nutrition or not getting enough water can worsen the symptoms of dementia. If a person struggles to sleep, they may experience an increase in their symptoms. Strong emotions such as feeling lonely, bored or helpless can contribute to worsening symptoms as can consistently levels of high stress or fear.

Can you reduce dementia symptoms?

By addressing the triggers listed above as well as encouraging positive relationships and social interactions, it is possible to reduce the symptoms of dementia and improve the quality of life for your loved one. There are sensory activities focused on cognitive functions such as thinking, reasoning, perception, and judgement, which can all be affected by dementia.

Our qualified Activity Co-ordinators delivers, a programme of themed activities that provides general stimulation for thinking, concentration, and memory. Each session covers a different topic, and the programme runs over several weeks in small groups or individually. CST is an evidenced approach recommended in NICE Guidelines for the assessment, management and support of people living with dementia.

A safe place to call home

A person living with dementia needs an environment where they feel safe and comfortable. At Caerleon House we encourage residents to bring their photographs and mementoes that can trigger happy memories and remind them of essential milestones in their life.

Starting a conversation about care is never easy. Our staff are highly trained and dedicated to helping you find the best care for your loved one. If you would like to speak to us about Dementia Care, please contact us on 01633 423535 or email info@caerleonhouse.co.uk to or speak to our friendly team.