An Individual Approach To Alzheimer’s Care
Beechtree understands the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Since 1991 the company has been committed to providing holistic, high quality, person-centred care to people with dementia. Such clients continue to lead active, meaningful and stimulating lives within surroundings that are familiar and reassuring.
Client and carer take time to work together at the client’s pace. Recognising that everyone is different with their own issues, those with greater levels of need – such as those with perceived challenging behaviour, depression, anxiety and increased confusion – are supported by carers with more advanced training.
Beechtree’s dementia team implements a proactive approach made up of:
- Reminiscence Therapy
- Careful Assessment and Planning
- Meaningful Activities
- Creative Dietary Support
Reminiscence Therapy
The older we get, the greater the tendency to look back to regenerate happy moments. This can deliver a therapeutic effect to those with dementia, revealing insight and experience that is otherwise hard to bring to the surface. Beechtree’s dementia team helps initiate this process by using photographs, music, objects or activities from the past.
Careful Assessment and Planning
Every client brings with them a unique life history including feelings, experiences, skills, values, attitudes, likes and dislikes. Understanding this is an essential part of caring. Assessment seeks insight into individuality: favourite foods, friendships, hobbies, previous occupations, religion, cultures and social groups; all of which are or were important. Beechtree seeks to understand the whole person in order to deliver the best personalised care.
Meaningful Activities
Helping clients engage in everyday tasks such as bathing and other positive activities is a fundamental part of Beechtree’s dementia programme. Such activities promote self-esteem, help maintain an individual’s skills and provide an opportunity for social contact. Activities might include theatre trips, walks in the park, visiting favourite restaurants, watching old movies, listening to books being read or tending indoor plants.
Multi-sensory therapies, maybe using music and aromatherapy, are wonderful ways in which to address the needs of those who find it difficult to interact.
Creative Dietary Support
For many with dementia eating a meal or managing cutlery can be difficult. Care workers prepare foods that are nutritious and easy to eat. They also serve regular snacks to ensure that an adequate diet is maintained.