Eastlife Spring 2020

5. Approach
Every time a member of our team at Askham greets a resident who
suffers from dementia, we treat the encounter like that of meeting
someone for the first time – we go in with no assumptions. Be
polite and engaged and always be prepared for any response,
which could include positive, negative or indifferent.
6. Observe
This is a simple but necessary tip. Listen and observe the person’s
daily routine to understand what they are telling you about their
needs. Communication doesn’t always have to come from the
mouth.
7. Learn
By attentively listening and observing, you’ll begin to recognise
and understand the quirks that have made the person who they
are now. Learning through observation is very important and, at
Askham, we hold regular specialist training on dementia care for
staff and residents’ families. Look out for providers of this sort of
learning opportunity so you can participate.
8. Mindset
Try not to look at things from your own point of view but step into
the shoes of the person you are caring for. Be ready to anticipate
and meet their needs with empathy and without judgement. This
can be really tough, especially if caring for someone close to you.
Mindfulness techniques can really help here.
9. Facilitate
Remember, it’s about your loved one’s goals not yours. An
important part of a person suffering with dementia’s day may be
lunch or meeting friends and family, so help them achieve this.
If food is a big part of their routine, for example, then a pop-up
kitchen concept where your loved one can independently and
safely help themselves to snacks and a drink will provide the
fulfilment they desire.
10. Evaluate
Finally, it’s important to remember that people change. What
works for them today, might not work tomorrow, so always be
open to change. Adaptability and versatility play a big part in
providing the necessary care and support of those with dementia.
In summary, while all of the above points are required to provide
the appropriate care to someone with dementia, it’s important to
remember you can’t look after someone else if you can’t look after
yourself. Make use of the resources available to you.
At Askham, we hold regular training for staff and the community to
ensure they have the right tools necessary to provide the utmost
care and professionalism for our residents.
About the contributor: Joanne Monaghan is Head of Care &
Nursing at Askham Village Community, a specialist rehabilitation
and care community situated on the edge of Doddington,
between Peterborough and Cambridge. A family business of
over 30 years, Askham specialises in nursing dementia, from early
onset all the way through to late stage and palliative care.
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