This report looks at the key issues affecting people with dementia living in care homes. Evidence is drawn from surveys of family members of people with dementia, staff working in care homes, and people with dementia themselves. The surveys were distributed to Alzheimer’s Society members, care homes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and through some Alzheimer’s Society staff and online...
This report looks at the key issues affecting people with dementia living in care homes. Evidence is drawn from surveys of family members of people with dementia, staff working in care homes, and people with dementia themselves. The surveys were distributed to Alzheimer’s Society members, care homes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and through some Alzheimer’s Society staff and online. The report also presents evidence from a YouGov poll carried out in December 2012, of 2,060 adults, into perceptions about care homes and draws on existing public policy evidence on care and performance of care homes. The report looks at four main areas of care: the context of the care home market; the availability of information and support to help families and individuals make choices about moving into care; the quality of care; and the access and quality of external services delivered from outside the home, as well as findings around how the home works with the wider community. The surveys found low expectations about the quality of life of people with dementia in care homes. Views on the quality of care for people living in care homes were more positive, but there were concerns about ongoing investment in training. People also found the process of finding information on care homes challenging. Experiences of support from health services and engagement with the community were mixed. The report makes six recommendations to raise awareness, inform policy and change practice. Tables presenting results from the surveys are included.
Subject terms:
older people, public opinion, quality assurance, quality of life, residents, surveys, user views, access to information, attitudes, care homes, choice, dementia, families, health care;
This short report is an evidence overview of key pieces of UK research between 2007 and 2012, which focused on the implementation and uptake of personal budgets and direct payments for older people (including those with dementia) in England. It is not a systematic research review or an exhaustive examination of published research on the topic. Rather, it aims to give an overview of the main...
This short report is an evidence overview of key pieces of UK research between 2007 and 2012, which focused on the implementation and uptake of personal budgets and direct payments for older people (including those with dementia) in England. It is not a systematic research review or an exhaustive examination of published research on the topic. Rather, it aims to give an overview of the main themes of research findings which help to identify the challenges and solutions to improving choice and control for older people (including those living with dementia) through the use of personal budgets and direct payments. Issues covered include: culture and system change; making choices and decisions; information and advice; direct payments and support services; understanding allowance and spend; budget management, monitoring and review; risk management and contingency planning; and older people living with dementia.
Subject terms:
older people, personal budgets, service uptake, dementia, direct payments;
This resource developed by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) aims to support people working in hospitals to apply five principles for improving the quality of care and support for people with dementia and their carers. Working with people with dementia and carers, the RCN and a range of stakeholders have developed principles for the care of people with dementia in general hospitals. These five...
This resource developed by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) aims to support people working in hospitals to apply five principles for improving the quality of care and support for people with dementia and their carers. Working with people with dementia and carers, the RCN and a range of stakeholders have developed principles for the care of people with dementia in general hospitals. These five principles form a shared commitment to improving care. These principles are included in SPACE: Staff who are skilled and have time to care; Partnership working with carers; Assessment and early identification; Care that is individualised; and Environments that are dementia friendly. Based on evidence gathered from people with dementia, carers and practitioners, each principle is considered essential to ensure the appropriate delivery of care. Each principle has a checklist to help identify achievements and areas for further development. This guide (and accompanying film) is meant for nurses and other staff working in hospital settings, as well as senior managers such as directors of nursing and trust boards. They aim to support the implementation of the SPACE principles.
Subject terms:
nurses, nursing, training materials, carers, dementia, good practice;
A collection of resources bringing together information to help those working and caring for people living with dementia. The contents covers six main themes: Signs of dementia; After diagnosis of dementia; Living with dementia; Supporting people with dementia; Carers of people with dementia; and Advanced dementia and end of life care. The section on Signs of dementia looks at early signs...
(Original abstract)
A collection of resources bringing together information to help those working and caring for people living with dementia. The contents covers six main themes: Signs of dementia; After diagnosis of dementia; Living with dementia; Supporting people with dementia; Carers of people with dementia; and Advanced dementia and end of life care. The section on Signs of dementia looks at early signs and diagnosis, early onset, and people with dementia who also have sensory loss. After diagnosis covers the support needed following diagnosis including helping a person remain independent, how getting to know the person can help with planning support and communicating with people with dementia. Living with dementia looks at the issues that are important for the person with the diagnosis, such as staying active, eating well, making decisions. Supporting people with dementia discusses dementia-friendly environments, decision making, and using ICT in activities. Advanced dementia and end of life care looks at where a person's loss of physical and cognitive functioning is widespread. Sections offer practical tips, learning activities, links to videos and additional resources. The site also contains an A-Z of terminology and links to the Open Dementia e-learning Programme. This set of resources were previous called 'The Dementia Gateway.'
(Original abstract)
Subject terms:
leisure activities, nutrition, person-centred care, dementia, environment;
This publication describes the work of 23 NHS trusts that took part in the latest phase, dementia care, of the King’s Fund’s Enhancing the Healing Environment (EHE) programme. The projects were run in mental health and community units and acute trusts. Their outcomes show how relatively straightforward and inexpensive changes to the design and fabric of the care environment can have...
This publication describes the work of 23 NHS trusts that took part in the latest phase, dementia care, of the King’s Fund’s Enhancing the Healing Environment (EHE) programme. The projects were run in mental health and community units and acute trusts. Their outcomes show how relatively straightforward and inexpensive changes to the design and fabric of the care environment can have a considerable and positive impact on the wellbeing of people with dementia. The publication is divided into three parts: Part one sets out the scope and purpose of the publication; part two describes the findings and outcomes from the latest stage of the programme; and part three contains five key resources. These include the EHE assessment tool designed to help carers and staff assess how dementia friendly their care environment is and overarching design principles for creating more supportive environments for people with dementia in hospital. The programme evaluation found that making the physical environment more dementia friendly resulted in a range of positive outcomes on falls, incidence of violence and aggression, staff sickness and absence. However, it is acknowledged that, as yet, too few staff understand the impact of the environment on people with dementia.
Subject terms:
hospitals, building design, challenging behaviour, care homes, dementia, falls, environmental factors;
Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services
Publication year:
2013
Pagination:
16p.
Place of publication:
Glasgow
...attention and listening to support individuals to find meaning and purpose in their lives. It has been established that there is a range of activities and practices which can support these dimensions of spiritual care. The paper looks at spiritual care in the context of different settings including, NHS, palliative care and dementia care. It considers the link between person-centred care and dignity
Scottish social and health care policy documents specify person-centred compassionate and dignified care. Focusing on the spiritual care of older people is one of the ways in which person-centred care can be achieved. This insight attempts to define spirituality which it describes as a problematic, disputed and evolving concept. There are two extremes to the definition of spirituality; both approaches acknowledge a search for meaning. For some people, divine presence is central; for others, spirituality is a secular concept involving inner life, personal belief and focusing on self. The paper concludes that the ageing population requires person-centred care and developmental support in order to maximize its chances of ageing well. Person-centred care involves spiritual care; the time, attention and listening to support individuals to find meaning and purpose in their lives. It has been established that there is a range of activities and practices which can support these dimensions of spiritual care. The paper looks at spiritual care in the context of different settings including, NHS, palliative care and dementia care. It considers the link between person-centred care and dignity and spiritual care. Linking spiritual care to practice the paper discusses: spiritual reminiscence; spiritual history; life review/life story work; music and song; worship; prayer and ritual; presence/being there; and finally listening.
Subject terms:
older people, palliative care, person-centred care, spirituality, dementia, end of life care;
Based on a research review and findings from a survey, this report examines treatment and management of male offenders with cognitive impairment, including ageing male prisoners with dementia. It also identifies and describes examples of good practice, focusing in particular on the United States and the United Kingdom. The study included a survey of 14 prisons in 7 jurisdictions across 4...
Based on a research review and findings from a survey, this report examines treatment and management of male offenders with cognitive impairment, including ageing male prisoners with dementia. It also identifies and describes examples of good practice, focusing in particular on the United States and the United Kingdom. The study included a survey of 14 prisons in 7 jurisdictions across 4 countries (England, the US, Japan and Belgium), covering policy and service provision for older prisoners with cognitive impairment. The report looks at the rise of the older prisoner population, lack of provision for older prisoners, and dementia in prison. It describes the survey methodology and participating prisons, and reports on the results, covering assessing older prisoners, coordinating service provision, staff training, prisoner carer schemes, alternative employment and recreational activities, and additional resources. It draws on the research findings to make recommendations concerning routine screening for older prisoners, staff training, using the experience of specialist external agencies, promoting information sharing and adopting clear procedures, and low-cost modifications to prison living environments. A diagram illustrating the HMP Isle of Wight memory service referral process is included in an annex.
Subject terms:
memory, men, mental health problems, mental health services, needs, offenders, older people, prisoners, prisons, assessment, cognitive impairment, dementia, health care;
In this viewpoint discusses how the choice of housing and support for older lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people is perceived, and how it could support LGB individuals to have a better life. It looks at the potential of personalisation in improving choice and control, and the importance of LGB people feeling safe to share their identity and life history, particularly for dementia. The authors
In this viewpoint discusses how the choice of housing and support for older lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people is perceived, and how it could support LGB individuals to have a better life. It looks at the potential of personalisation in improving choice and control, and the importance of LGB people feeling safe to share their identity and life history, particularly for dementia. The authors present the findings of an online survey of younger LGB adults (30–69) who were asked to consider how and where they would like to live in older age, particularly if they have high support needs. Thoughts from a discussion day held by the Stonewall Housing ‘Insights’ Older LGBT People’s Housing Group Manchester Forum are also presented. Some examples of emerging international innovations in housing and support for older LGB people are also summarised. The conclusion draws together some of the key themes and messages about alternatives to traditional support and housing that enhance the lives and promote the independence of LGB people as they grow older.
Subject terms:
home care, independence, housing, lesbians, older people, personalisation, social networks, supported housing, user views, bisexual people, choice, gay men;
LIGHTBODY Elizabeth, JACKSON Graham A., LITHGOW Stephen
Journal article citation:
Journal of Dementia Care, 21(1), 2013, pp.28-31.
Publisher:
Hawker
This article explores some of the difficult issues that care home staff face when it comes to supporting people with dementia to enjoy their sexuality. While some people with dementia continue to enjoy satisfying sexual relationships there are a number of complex and sensitive issues that can arise. These include; clinical decisions such as capacity to consent and ethical issues considering...
This article explores some of the difficult issues that care home staff face when it comes to supporting people with dementia to enjoy their sexuality. While some people with dementia continue to enjoy satisfying sexual relationships there are a number of complex and sensitive issues that can arise. These include; clinical decisions such as capacity to consent and ethical issues considering the impact of one person’s sexuality on another. These issues are particularly hard to deal with in residential care settings. This article reports on the discussion at a workshop attended by 50 people from a variety of caring backgrounds which used actual cases to examine these moral and ethical dilemmas. There seems to be a need to address ageist and sexist attitudes among both staff and family carers. There was a general feeling that there needs to be a cultural shift in attitudes as the public is not yet ready to discuss sexuality and dementia. Overall participants were wary of guidelines. There was a sense that staff did not feel comfortable using incapacity legislation and many knowledge gaps were exposed. There were comments that current documents are difficult to understand and translate into everyday practice. Participants called for guidance that is more accessible and specific to care homes.
Subject terms:
informed consent, residential care, sexual behaviour, sexuality, attitudes, carers, case studies, care homes, dementia, dignity;
Appropriately designed surroundings can reduce confusion and distress in people with dementia and encourage positive staff interventions. This article explains how simple adaptations to the ward environment can improve the quality of care they receive.
Appropriately designed surroundings can reduce confusion and distress in people with dementia and encourage positive staff interventions. This article explains how simple adaptations to the ward environment can improve the quality of care they receive.
Subject terms:
hospitals, building design, dementia, environment;