CARING FOR OUR
LOVED ONES
With longer life expectancy and a greater prevalence of dementia, Sarah Varley looks at the changing role of care homes and how the best providers are rising to the challenge with care, support and activities to reinvigorate later life
The Alzheimer’s Society states that there are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to over one million by 2025 and that currently, one in six people over the age of 80 have dementia. With dementia, the need to move to a care home is much more likely, but good care homes are working hard to make this a positive step in a number of ways.
Through a combination of good care, interaction and activities, there are excellent care homes available that are reinvigorating the lives of residents.
Physical health needs are met but there is also renewed focus on wellbeing – a level of engagement and activity is provided that combats loneliness and offers diversion from confusion and worries. Whether dealing with issues or dementia or mobility, residents are supported to live life to the fullest.
Many of the best care homes now have full-time entertainment co-ordinators, planning uplifting activities that are varied enough to appeal to everyone. Residents may enjoy visits from local pre-schoolers to chat, play, sing and provide an enthusiasm for life that only children can. Outings to cafes, the seaside or to watch ballroom dancing, bring changes of scene and routine that might have become difficult before a move to a care home with the ready support of trained staff.
Extra attention is paid to events such as Wimbledon with themed lunches to accompany viewing. Afternoons might be spent crafting, knitting or watching a classic film with popcorn. Entertainment co-ordinators in care homes are trained to gently encourage whatever level of participation each individual resident is happy with, whether that is some armchair aerobics or a quiet chat about favourite books.
The importance of a balanced diet for health and wellbeing shouldn’t be forgotten, and nor should the pleasure provided by the hot three-course meals on offer in many care homes. Nutritious cooking is often something that had long become too difficult at home so the health benefits and renewed enjoyment in eating can help to ease the transition to a care home.
Residents’ likes and dislikes are accommodated and mealtimes provide further opportunities for social interaction.
Carefully planned outdoor spaces can provide safe and accessible areas to enjoy the benefits of fresh air, sunshine and the sensory pleasures of plants, flowers and birdsong, along with a greater feeling of freedom and gentle exercise. Gardening activities can provide a welcome path back to a favourite hobby.
Good, modern care homes are succeeding in providing excellent care and engaging activity, entertainment, distraction and reassurance, all in a safe, friendly, clean and homely environment, and this really is something to recognise and celebrate.
