Dementia
Dementia presents unique and changing challenges
More than 850,000 people have dementia in Britain, from Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia to frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies.
Many families and their loved ones understandably find handling such diseases stressful and emotionally testing. However, Veronica House possesses extensive experience in caring for those with dementia at all levels so they can get the most out of their lives.
Our care team provides a range of knowledge-led methods including person-centred activities, therapeutic environments and holistic care so you or your loved one can enhance their interests, capabilities and quality of life.
Dementia Care Planning
Dementia care can sometimes focus on diagnoses instead of individuals. However, the Veronica House approach is based on the latest leading research by preserving the independence and dignity of our ladies and gentlemen.
Our planning begins by establishing a trusting relationship between our carers, the individual being cared for and their family. We meet everyone involved to determine specific needs and capabilities and focus on what you or your loved one can do rather than can’t.
We also want to find about your or your loved one’s likes, dislikes, hobbies and interests so we can take care of the whole person, including emotional and social needs.
The resulting care plan is then risk assessed and agreed between all parties before you or your loved one moves into Veronica House, and is frequently reviewed to ensure the best care.
Dementia-friendly environments
Veronica House maintains a dementia-friendly environment through a number of creative methods to help our ladies and gentlemen remain safe, physically active and mentally energised.
Carefully planned lighting
We combine daylight, overhead lights and discreet lights throughout our care home to help those we care for always feel safe and calm. This includes encouraging our ladies and gentlemen to enjoy the view from the large windows of our communal areas, where they can see our gardens and the birds, butterflies and squirrels that frequent them.
Furniture and furnishings
Dementia can impact how well individuals distinguish between different colours and 3D objects, which can in turn cause confusion and increase the risk of falls. Veronica House therefore applies bright and contrasting colour palettes across its furnishings, while making sure to avoid disorientating patterns, art and mirrors.
Visual cues
People can suffer from dementia in different ways. Some may struggle to recall day-to-day activities while others might have difficulty remembering long-term events.
In any case, Veronica House employs visual cues to help our ladies and gentlemen cope with dementia in their daily lives. This can be as simple as placing photos or labels on cupboards, wardrobes and drawers, which we encourage them to hand pick.
Special bathroom design
It can create anxiety not being able to locate or use a toilet when you have dementia, so our care teams make sure to keep the en-suites of our ladies and gentlemen open and well-lit.
Small touches such as painting each en-suite white and populating them with objects they’re familiar with also helps reduce frustration and stress in big ways.
Feeling safe
Veronica House is fitted with cutting-edge alarms, grab rails and sensors to keep you or your loved one safe, as well as room and bed monitoring with nurse call systems.
We also maintain appropriate temperatures during different seasons to ensure our ladies and gentlemen are comfortable throughout the care home.