DEMENTIA HOME CARE AND SUPPORT
A Person-Centred Approach to Dementia Care
Dementia is frightening and confusing for both people with the condition and their families
and friends. Expert dementia care in the home can make the process of coping with
dementia a little bit easier. People with dementia can remain in familiar surroundings while
receiving the care and support they need.
At SSG Care Services we’re dedicated to a bespoke, individualised person-
centred approach to healthcare. We employ a wide range of qualified carers, nurses and
healthcare professionals and experienced nurses and care staff who are available to work on
a one-on-one basis where needed with the people we support.
Our professional nurses and care staff all receive regular training in mental health care.
Many also specialise in caring for people with dementia.
The dementia care provided by our staff is based upon our key principles of trust, empathy,
and expertise. We aim to help the people we care for live as fulfilling and independent a life
as possible. We recognise that to achieve this we also need to support the friends and family
of the patient. As such, we are always available to discuss any concerns you may have.
Our complex care services in England are licensed and regulated to provide dementia care across the UK. We are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England.
Contact us today to learn more about our dementia care options and the many 24-hour care
packages available for people with dementia.
What is Dementia?
Dementia describes a set of symptoms, not a specific disease or condition. These symptoms
may include memory loss and problem thinking, problem-solving or with language.
Symptoms often start small but gradually worsen. Ultimately, they harm day-to-day life.
The symptoms defined as dementia are caused when the brain is damaged. That might be by a disease like Alzheimer’s or by a stroke or series of strokes. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia but is not the only one.
The specific symptoms depend on the part of the brain being damaged. The disease that’s
causing the damage also impacts the symptoms. That’s why it’s so important for dementia
care to be tailored to each person. Symptoms fit into two main categories. Those are
cognitive symptoms (ability to understand) and changes in behaviour.
Cognitive symptoms are the most widely recognised signs of dementia. They include the
following:
● Short-Term Memory Loss – Forgetting things that happened recently. Being unable to
commit new information to memory.
● Inability to Concentrate – Difficulty making decisions or working through a sequence of
tasks. Like following a recipe.
● Language Problems – Difficulty following a conversation or an inability to find the right
word to describe something.
● Problems with Orientation – Losing track of the day or the date. Becoming confused
about where they are.
In part, dementia can also affect the individual’s behaviour. Common changes in
behaviour can include some or all of the following:
● Frustration & Irritability – A lack of patience and a shorter temper than before. This is
often due to confusion and fear.
● Agitation & Restlessness – Pacing around or being unable to feel comfortable in their
familiar surroundings.
● Repetitive Behaviour – Asking the same question or performing the same task over and
over. This is usually due to a need for reassurance that they’re not forgetting things as a
result of being unable to remember things.
● Hiding, Hoarding & Losing Things – Hiding and hoarding can result in paranoia from
being unable to remember things, for example where items have been put. that belongings
are being moved or stolen.
What is Dementia Care?
SSG Care Services take a holistic view of dementia care. We believe
that dementia care is more than just helping an individual cope with their symptoms.
Professional dementia care is about ensuring that the individual can live as independent and
fulfilling a life as possible.
All our nurses, healthcare assistants, and support workers are trained in mental health care.
They empathise with each individual and will work on their care plan.
In our complex care services, where we manage care packages, the dementia care plan is routinely assessed and adapted as symptoms develop.
Our staff can assist in a wide variety of different areas:
● Medication – Staff who are trained to administer and support medicines can remind
people to remember to take their medication or administer it.
● Personal Care – Assistance washing, dressing or using the toilet if required. Always
keeping the dignity of each individual in mind.
● Household Chores – Dealing with the laundry, tidying up and other household chores.
● Meal Preparation – Dementia sufferers often fail to eat properly. Our staff can prepare
meals and ensure clients eat healthily.
● Independence & Hobbies – Taking clients out to see friends or helping them participate
and join favourite hobbies or events our staff will take a proactive approach to support
people with dementia to maintain their independence and participate in fulfilling social
activities.
Following the initial diagnosis, we will create a bespoke care plan that is tailored to the
needs of your loved one. Our highly trained staff are available 24/7 and the staff at your
local SSG Care Services branch will always be on hand to help you.
Helping People Cope With Dementia
Dementia is difficult for both the person with dementia and their family and friends. The
cognitive and behavioural symptoms can impact all aspects of day-to-day life. The individual
might forget what they need to buy from the supermarket or become confused about what
day it is. They may become frightened and angry as a result.
These changes in behaviour and the general impacts of dementia can be a cause of great
emotional stress on one's family and friends. Watching someone you love doing things like
repeatedly asking the same question or immediately forgetting what they’ve just been told
can be frustrating. Our staff take this into account and SSG Care supports loved ones as
well as sufferers. In their approach to proving care and support.
A good way to support someone with dementia is by developing a daily routine with them.
We aim to complete tasks together and provide any help with the person’s needs. That way,
they have some comforting order. They also won’t feel frustrated at the limitations that
they face as the symptoms become more severe.
Maintaining General Health
Illnesses and other medical problems can be taxing at the best of times. For those with
dementia, the upheaval and worry they cause are even more difficult to cope with. Being
unwell or having to go to the hospital can cause added confusion and agitation.
People with dementia must maintain good general health while coping with dementia.
People with dementia may often forget to eat or feel too agitated to prepare a meal.
Dementia care from SSG Care Services can include meal preparation to remove
this concern.
It’s also helpful for people with dementia to remain as active as possible. Local walks or trips
out can be really helpful. If possible, activities like dance or tai chi are also a good choice.
These will help a sufferer to help maintain a social life and an element of independence.
Living a Fulfilling & Independent Life
A dementia sufferer’s life doesn’t have to be all about coping with their symptoms. They
should try to maintain an active lifestyle that involves keeping up with hobbies and
interests. The only difference is that the dementia sufferer may now need a little help in
keeping them up.
Loved ones and SSG Care Services carers can work together to help with this.
Our staff are here to help clients maintain an independent lifestyle. That might mean taking
them to a local dance class or participating in other activities. The support that a carer offers
might even be something as simple as popping to the library to borrow a book.
Whatever you or your loved one’s interests, we will try to cater to them. Keeping up with
those hobbies and interests is an important part of maintaining an active lifestyle. It
provides pleasure and mental stimulation. It also keeps a degree of normalcy when lots of
other things will be changing. That’s vital for any person suffering from dementia.
Expert Support From Gran Care Home Care Services
There’s no doubt that dementia is a scary prospect for sufferers and their families. That’s
why our highly trained staff always deliver a truly client-focused care. Their
prime concern is for the well-being of each client and those individuals in their support
network.
We only employ carers with genuine compassion and a desire to provide the highest
standard of care. This is the foundation of our work. We’re licensed and regulated in
England by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
That’s the SSG Care Services difference. It’s why in a recent survey nine
out of ten of our staff said they’d recommended SSG Care Services to care for
their loved ones.