Dementia- discussing and planning support explains how anyone newly diagnosed with dementia should be given information including:
- Their type of dementia and how it will affect them
- Any further tests, treatment, activities or therapies that might help them
- Who will provide their care and how they can be contacted
- Details of support groups and charities that can help them
- How dementia can affect their driving and what they need to do
- How their employer should support them (if they work)
- Any research studies they could take part in.
The guide goes on to encourage planning for the future even though it can be difficult to think ahead following a dementia diagnosis. For people already living in care homes at the time of diagnosis, the support you offer to when making these plans can make a huge difference to their future quality of life so read on to learn to learn more about how you can help with forward planning.
Most care homes are familiar with the needs of people with a pre-existing diagnosis of dementia, but it can be a different challenge entirely, having to support a person in your care through the process of diagnosis and beyond. For some, a diagnosis of dementia can feel like a death sentence and can lead to depression and withdrawal, but your intervention can help the person live their life as independently as possible and ensure they’re prepared for the future.
If you found this article useful, there is more advice and guidance at Care Quality Matters – along with free resources, template policies and procedures and other downloadable tools. Find out more by claiming your 30-day free trial here.