What Is A Dementia Care Plan?

When a loved one receives a diagnosis of living with dementia, it can feel overwhelming to know how best to provide care and support. Creating a comprehensive dementia care plan is an important step to ensure the person living with dementia gets the assistance they require at every stage.

A dementia care plan outlines the medical, physical, emotional and social support a person needs. It also prepares for changes as the condition progresses. KYN, a provider of exceptional dementia care in London, understands the importance of personalised care planning.

What Are Care and Support Plans?

If a person living with dementia has eligible needs, they will get a care and support plan. If a carer is eligible, they will also get a support plan. These outline the person's care and support needs, and how they can be met. For example, a person living with dementia may need prompting and support at mealtimes. The support plan may say that a care worker should visit them in their home to help them at mealtimes.

Who Develops A Dementia Care Plan?

A care plan is often created collaboratively by:

• The person living with dementia (where possible)
• Family members and friends
• Professional caregivers like doctors, nurses and social workers

This multidisciplinary approach ensures all aspects of the individual's care are considered. The person living with dementia should be involved as much as they're able, so care aligns with their wishes.

What Should A Good Dementia Care Plan Include?

While each dementia care plan will be unique, most touch on the following key areas:

Medical Care

Outlines conditions that require monitoring plus any medications, tests or appointments needed. This helps multiple caregivers understand vital medical needs.

Daily Living Support

Details assistance required with activities like:

• Personal care - bathing, oral hygiene, toileting
• Getting dressed
• Eating/drinking enough
• Taking medication
• Moving around safely

Routines that work best and any dislikes that could cause distress should be noted.

Meaningful Engagement

Records interests, hobbies and talents so caregivers can nurture joy. This stimulates the mind and emotions.

Emotional Wellbeing

Logs successful communication/engagement strategies plus potential triggers for anxiety, confusion or sadness.

Advance Planning

Records the individual's preferences for future care should they become unable to express wishes directly. This is known as advance care planning.

How Can A Dementia Care Plan Help?

A comprehensive dementia care plan has many benefits, including:

• Ensuring consistent, appropriate care if responsibilities are shared: When multiple caregivers are involved, a well-documented care plan ensures that everyone is on the same page.
• Preparing family and professional caregivers for future changes: A care plan helps caregivers anticipate and prepare for changes in the person's needs. By outlining potential challenges and strategies to address them, the plan enables caregivers to adapt more easily.
• Reducing hospital visits through proactive care: A dementia care plan can help identify and address potential health issues before they escalate, thereby reducing the likelihood of hospital visits.
• Supporting the person to live well for as long as possible: A well-crafted dementia care plan goes beyond just meeting basic needs; it also focuses on promoting the person's overall well-being and quality of life.
• Providing reassurance that wishes will be respected even if communication becomes difficult: A care plan that includes the person's preferences and wishes provides a roadmap for caregivers to follow, even when verbal communication is limited.

Adapting The Plan As Needs Change

Regular reviews of the care plan ensure that it remains relevant and effective in supporting the individual's well-being. These reviews provide an opportunity to assess what's working well, identify any new challenges, and make necessary adjustments to the plan.

Significant changes in health, behaviour, or abilities should prompt a timely review of the care plan. By staying attuned to these changes and responding proactively, caregivers can better support the person's independence, comfort, and overall quality of life.

Discover Outstanding Dementia Care At KYN

At KYN, our person-centred approach ensures each resident living with dementia receives tailored support based on their unique needs and wishes. Upon a detailed assessment, we create a bespoke care plan and assign each resident a dedicated nurse and support team to care for them.

If you have any questions about dementia care planning or would like to learn more about our beautiful residence, contact us today. Call us on +44 (0) 20 3535 1923 or email enquiries@kyn.co.uk.