Kara Healthcare Homes’ approach to supporting our residents is especially important for our residents diagnosed with dementia. We know that by building compassionate, trusting relationships and by knowing the individuals’ biography, personality and life journey, we can help residents to live enjoyable, stimulating and fulfilling lives. We build a lifestyle profile and tailor the environment, the attention and the support to each individual resident. 

WHAT IS DEMENTIA?

Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. This may include problems with:

• memory loss
• thinking speed
• mental sharpness and quickness
• language
• understanding
• judgement
• mood
• movement
• difficulties carrying out daily activities

There are many different causes of dementia. People often get confused about the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.  Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia and, together with vascular dementia, makes up the vast majority of cases. People with dementia can become apathetic or uninterested in their usual activities, or may have problems controlling their emotions. They may also find social situations challenging and lose interest in socialising. Aspects of their personality may change. A person with dementia may lose empathy (understanding and compassion), they may see or hear things that other people do not (hallucinations). 

Because people with dementia may lose the ability to remember events or fully understand their environment or situations, it can seem as if they’re not telling the truth, or are wilfully ignoring problems. As dementia affects a person’s mental abilities, they may find planning and organising difficult. Maintaining their independence may also become a problem.

Why environment matters with dementia

Dementia can change the person’s perception of their environment and cause anxiety and disorientation. This can make simple, everyday tasks appear overwhelming and sometimes impossible. Creating an environment where the function of each room is clear and homely with discreet recognisable signage for ease of navigation. This helps finding a way to maintain emotional wellbeing and importantly keep the person in control and independent