For Dementia Action Week, Care UK is highlighting the ways it supports residents following a diagnosis of dementia.
Running until Sunday 19 May, Dementia Action Week – which was created by the Alzheimer’s Society – is intended to raise awareness of dementia and help those living with the condition to receive the support they need.
A number of Care UK homes are undertaking the internal Care Fit for VIPs accreditation. This internal accreditation follows the Care Fit for VIPs model, which was created by Emeritus Professor Dawn Brooker at the Association of Dementia Studies (ADS) at the University of Worcester. Care Fit for VIPs is embedded within the NICE guidelines for person-centred care.
Suzanne Mumford, Care UK’s head of nursing, care and dementia, said: “The Care Fit for VIPs framework has been transformational for the homes who have completed it and received their internal Care UK accreditation. We will continue to enrol homes onto this programme, so that we know, without a doubt, we are delivering the gold-standard of person-centred dementia care across our homes.
“The Care Fit for VIPs approach centres around four key aspects: valuing those living with dementia, treating everyone as an individual, showing empathy towards those living with the condition, and recognising the need for a stimulating social environment. We know that our homes abide by these values in their day-to-day care of residents, but it has been crucial to reaffirm Care UK’s dedication to person-centred care, particularly for those living with dementia.
“By refocusing on supporting residents through activities, creativity and exercise, we have been able to reduce Care UK’s use of antipsychotic drugs for those living with dementia. Where residents do not have an accompanying psychotic illness, these additional methods of support have enabled us to safely decrease prescriptions of antipsychotics by 15 percentage points in the past year.”
ADS director Dr Shirley Evans added: “ADS recognises the commitment of Care UK in embracing the framework and incorporating it into their annual reaccreditation and continuous improvement cycle.”
