How Are Dementia Care Homes Different?

When a loved one is living with dementia, family members are often faced with many challenges when it comes to providing at-home care and support. 
Specialist dementia care homes offer a fantastic opportunity for those living with dementia to enjoy round-the-clock support and assistance. They are designed to provide comfort, safety, and compassionate care that caters to each individual’s needs and wishes.
In this post, we'll explore the ways in which dementia care homes differ from other residential care environments and how they are equipped to deal with the condition’s unique challenges.

They are designed specially for dementia

Specialist dementia care homes provide a safe, secure and relaxing home for people living with dementia. Unlike ordinary residential care homes, they are designed specifically to meet the specific needs of those experiencing cognitive decline. 
Usually, dementia care homes have qualified nurses on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means that they can offer round-the-clock medical care. They may also provide a range of therapies designed to help manage dementia symptoms, from reminiscence sessions to cognitive stimulation therapy.

In many cases, the layout and décor of the building is also designed with dementia in mind. For instance, KYN care homes provide dedicated social spaces and sensory gardens to create a stimulating and fulfilling environment for our residents living with dementia.

Staff are trained to support the unique needs of people living with dementia

The staff at a dementia care home provide invaluable support to those living with this condition. Working in such an environment requires an empathetic and patient approach, in order to meet the needs of residents who have varying degrees of cognitive impairment.
With their extensive experience and knowledge, the team at a dementia care home are integral in improving the lives of individuals living with dementia. Carers at such residences undergo comprehensive training to equip them with the skills to provide personalised and individualised care. 
At KYN, we honour and support each individual’s unique journey with dementia, with the help of our on-site Dementia Lead. We strive to meet each individual's unique needs and wishes, helping them to maintain their independence for as long as possible.

Dementia care homes offer a range of tailored activities and facilities

Residents of specialist dementia care homes enjoy tailored life enriching designed to stimulate and promote well being. These activities are designed to stimulate the brain, helping to improve memory, awareness, communication and social skills. 
This helps individuals living with dementia to maintain a high quality of life. It also encourages positive relationships between carers, residents and families.
Gentle exercise classes, craft workshops, literature and game clubs and sensory spa experiences are among some of the activities available at KYN. Our residents also enjoy a range of evidence-based therapies such as art therapy and music therapy.

The environment is typically more relaxed than a traditional nursing home

Some residential environments can be loud, busy and bustling places, which may overstimulate a person living with cognitive decline. Care homes for people living with dementia offer an alternative to traditional care and nursing homes, with an environment tailored to be more relaxed and less overwhelming. 
The atmosphere is typically more relaxed and intimate, allowing carers to provide individualised attention and avoid creating undue distress or confusion. This creates an environment in which the needs of those living with dementia can be met, leading to a better quality of life.

Dementia care homes usually have smaller resident-to-staff ratios

One of the key benefits associated with dementia care homes is their smaller resident-to-staff ratios. This allows for more personalised attention than many other types of care settings may provide.
Not only does this enable effective support of symptoms, but it can also create a much needed sense of connection and community that could be lacking when using different forms of care arrangements. 
At KYN, our unique household system allows those living with dementia to reside in small, like-minded groups of individuals. Each household benefits from dedicated carers and nurses who get to know each resident as well as their own family.

Dementia care homes support residents in making their own choices

People living with dementia should always be treated with independence, dignity and respect. It’s important for each individual to feel comfortable in their environment and have control over their lives.
Rather than being made to follow a strict schedule, good dementia care homes (such as KYN) allow residents to make their own choices and craft their own routines. They can choose what time to get up and go to sleep, and how and where to spend their time. Furthermore, they can customise their living space with personal possessions that bring comfort and evoke happy memories.
At KYN, we do everything we can to support the independence of each of our residents. For example, residents have full autonomy over when and where to take their meals. They can select from a range of delicious options served buffet-style in the dining room, or order from our in-room dining service with the help of pictorial menus. 

Discover Outstanding Dementia Care with KYN 

At KYN, we provide outstanding dementia care in beautiful residences across London and the South East. Our aim is to honour and care for each of our residents living with dementia as unique individuals and to provide an enriching environment for them.
Our dedicated Dementia Lead is there to offer tailored advice and support throughout your loved one’s journey. To learn more about KYN luxury care homes, enquire today. Request a brochure through our contact form, call us on +44 (0) 20 3535 1923 or email enquiries@kyn.co.uk.