Salvation Army Aged Care Plus is reporting its Dementia Care Matters program has seen 70 to 80 per cent drops in the number of resident falls since the program was launched in 2016 at two of its aged care homes.
The facilities have also reported a 100 per cent stabilisation in pain levels and a 28 to 40 per cent drop in residents needing psychotropic medication – a big fall when you consider around half of aged care residents take some form of anti-depressants.
It’s been so successful Aged Care Plus has already rolled it out to a third home and are scoping out their other facilities for more launches.
What’s made the difference?
Just like home
The program encourages residents with dementia to eat and socialise with each other, while residents’ daily routines were re-designed to be more flexible so they can take part in activities, such as cleaning, gardening and reading, at any time.
The facilities themselves also underwent a makeover, with living areas painted in bright colours and more home-like additions such as kitchenettes and gardens added to encourage more interaction.
In addition, staff underwent intensive training in providing person-centred care and a no-uniform policy introduced so workers simply blend in.
Residents’ families are also pleased with the results – Harry and Sarah say their mother Stella has put on weight and is much healthier and happier.
“The last few months have been easier to visit and have a conversation with her. Even though at times she tends to go on a tirade, we can always bring her back. We have been able to share memories with her too, whereas before we couldn’t. Lately, she’s been smiling so much and her cheeky side has come out too, it’s so wonderful to see.”
Proof again that supporting residents with dementia is just as much about their emotional needs as their physical ones.
