Aileen Beatty, Head of Dementia Care at HC-One, shares her views on living well with dementia in residential care, following recent findings that show how many older people can thrive in a care home.
As Head of Dementia Care at HC-One, I have the privilege of seeing the many benefits of living in a care home. I’m encouraged by a recent study by
My Home Life England which looks at the experiences of older people living in residential care.
Supporting people to live better
The research reveals the benefits of living in a care home, highlighting six ways that older people can thrive:
1. Relationally – Making and strengthening relationships
2. Actively – Keeping active
3. Inclusively – Feeling included
4. Securely – Feeling safe and secure
5. With dignity – Being treated with dignity
6. Healthily – Living a healthy lifestyle
The report helps to show that some of the views that people might have about care homes aren’t always correct. It gets people to think about the many ways people do live well and have a better quality of life in a care home. There is a short
video explaining the results of the report, which is well worth watching.
For anyone faced with a decision of moving into a care home, either for themselves or a family member, there can be a lot of uncertainty which may feel daunting. I want to reassure families that many people living with dementia can thrive in a care home and can be supported to live better in each moment of every day.
Thrive relationally
We understand that people living alone at home may feel lonely, and unfortunately for a person living with dementia this can cause their health to get worse more quickly. Care homes can help stop loneliness as they provide opportunities for socialising, building friendships, and improving relationships with family members.
It’s so lovely to hear older people talking about the greatest benefits of living in a care home; being around others, building positive connections with people and making friends.
I often hear from families who tell me they enjoy spending quality time together, rather than attending to their relative’s every care need. They feel reassured that they are being well looked after.
Thrive actively and inclusively
Staying active and being able to enjoy meaningful activities is vital. The report found that well-thought through activities are important for self-expression, confidence, connecting with others, and having independence. However, it’s so important that they are done in a way to make older people feel welcome, safe, valued and included.
At HC-One our wellbeing teams support residents to choose whether they would like to take part in activities, outings to places of interest and the local community, and introduce them to hobbies to suit their cultures, faiths, abilities and interests.
Thrive securely and with dignity
Living with dementia can sometimes make some people feel insecure and anxious. Older people, families and colleagues, said that feeling safe and secure is one of the greatest benefits of living in residential care. Knowing that when they get into bed at night, they’re safe and secure and someone is there 24 hours a day to offer support if needed.
The older people in the survey refer to dignity as having good personal hygiene and support with tasks which they find difficult. They receive support with their personal care routines and physical appearance such as accessing a hairdresser and having their nails painted, which also helps with their self-esteem.
In a care home environment, these essential elements of safety, security and dignity are a top priority for our dedicated care teams working round the clock. This creates a space where people living with dementia in our homes not only feel protected, but also empowered to maintain their wellbeing and independence.
Thrive healthily
Medical conditions such as dementia can cause a loss of appetite and affect eating habits, which can cause problems with chewing and swallowing. When living in a care home, experienced care teams can support residents to maintain health and wellbeing, with additional access to health professionals who manage health needs and review medication.
It's encouraging that older people and their families understand the importance of regular, good quality, nutritious meals and staying hydrated.. At HC-One we are passionate about eating well to live well and the health benefits from enjoying nutritious, high quality food.
Conclusion
The
My Home Life England research is a step forward to looking at why some people may feel unsure about care home living. Not only can older people be supported to live well in a safe environment, but they are actively supported to maintain their independence and thrive within a kind, caring community.
I believe care homes should no longer be thought of as a last resort especially for those living with dementia. They should be seen as places where people can truly live and thrive. The study sums it up perfectly: care homes may not be right for everyone, but when they are delivering good care, they can be everything for some.
To find a kind, caring home near you, explore HC-One’s family of care homes across England, Scotland and Wales.