Dementia

Each person experiences dementia in their own unique way, presenting varying care challenges.

In Britain, over 850,000 people have dementia. This progressive neurological condition can present in a number of ways including Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies.

Handling dementia can be emotionally difficult and stressful for families and loved ones. Adjusting to behavioural changes caused by the condition and knowing how best to care for the person affected can be extremely hard.

Our team at Smithy Bridge Court are here to help with their extensive experience in caring for those with dementia. We will ensure your loved one is properly looked after, happy and can get the most out of their lives.

Dementia Care Planning

Our approach to dementia care is to put the individual first to create person-centred care plans; preserving the independence and dignity of those we care for.

We begin by establishing a relationship of trust between our carers, the individual requiring care and their family. This enables us to understand the unique caring, emotional and social needs, plus capabilities of your loved one. We also like to learn about likes, dislikes, hobbies and interests to ensure we care for the ‘whole person’.

This information is used to create a care plan, which is risk assessed and agreed between all parties before you or your loved one join our care home. We frequently review our care plans to ensure they are relevant and deliver the best care for our ladies and gentlemen.

Dementia-friendly environments

Smithy Bridge Court offers a dementia-friendly environment, through a variety of methods, to keep our ladies and gentlemen safe, active and mentally engaged.

Lighting

A combination of daylight, overhead lights and discreet lighting throughout our home creates a safe and calm atmosphere, and floor to ceiling windows in our lounges encourage our individuals to view the countryside and wildlife.

Furniture and furnishings

Dementia can affect spatial awareness and make it difficult for individuals to distinguish colours and 3D objects, increasing confusion and the risk of falls. To mitigate this risk, our home is equipped with bright furniture with contrasting colour palettes, and we have avoided disorientation patterns, mirrors and artwork which may distract.

Visual cues

We use visual cues around our home to assist our individuals with dementia in their daily lives. This can include photos and labels on furniture to encourage independence and help our ladies and gentlemen if they are struggling to remember how to do day-to-day tasks.

Assisted bathrooms

To reduce any anxiety of locating or using the toilet, each of our bedrooms has a fully accessible en-suite which is open and well-lit and a fully equipped, assisted bathroom is available on every floor of our home.

Feeling safe

Smithy Bridge Court care home was designed to incorporate the latest equipment and technology to keep you or your loved one safe. This includes lift access to aid accessibility for those with impaired mobility.