{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

---

Supporting Individuals with Dementia Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that individuals living with dementia receive high-quality, person-centred care that upholds their dignity, promotes independence, and enhances their well-being. Dementia care at {{org_field_name}} is based on the latest best practices, aligned with CQC regulations, the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the Care Act 2014, and NICE guidelines. This policy aims to:

• Provide a structured, compassionate, and safe environment for individuals living with dementia.
• Ensure that care is tailored to each individual’s needs, preferences, and abilities in accordance with Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care)​.
• Support families and carers by involving them in care planning and decision-making.
• Train staff to deliver specialised dementia care, ensuring they understand the progressive nature of dementia and apply evidence-based practices.
• Uphold dignity and respect by ensuring individuals retain their rights, autonomy, and self-esteem, as required under Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect)​.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff members, including care workers, nurses, activity coordinators, and support staff.
• People we support who have a diagnosis of dementia or exhibit dementia-related symptoms.
• Family members, advocates, and legal representatives involved in care decisions.
• External professionals, including GPs, mental health teams, and dementia specialists.
• Regulatory bodies, such as CQC, to demonstrate compliance with dementia care standards.

3. Principles of Dementia Care at {{org_field_name}}

Our dementia care is built upon person-centred care, dignity, and respect. We ensure that:

A. Person-Centred Approach

• Care is tailored to meet the individual’s physical, emotional, and social needs.
• We involve family members, advocates, and healthcare professionals in care planning.
• Care plans are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the individual’s condition.
• Staff use validation therapy instead of challenging reality, ensuring communication respects the individual’s perceptions and feelings.

B. Safe and Supportive Environment

• Environmental adaptations are made to promote safety and ease of movement, including clear signage, good lighting, and dementia-friendly furniture.
• Memory aids such as photographs, clocks, and visual cues are used to support orientation and independence.
• Secure but non-restrictive environments prevent wandering while allowing freedom of movement in a safe, supervised manner.

C. Effective Communication Strategies

• Staff are trained to use clear, calm, and reassuring communication with individuals living with dementia.
• Non-verbal communication such as facial expressions, body language, and touch is encouraged when appropriate.
• Alternative communication methods, including pictures, symbols, and assistive technology, are available to aid understanding.

D. Managing Behaviour That Challenges

• Triggers for distress or anxiety are identified, and proactive strategies are implemented.
• Staff use de-escalation techniques, including distraction, reminiscence therapy, and music therapy, instead of restrictive practices.
• Care teams adopt a flexible, compassionate approach to managing agitation, aggression, or resistance to care.

E. Nutrition and Hydration

• Individuals living with dementia may experience challenges with eating and drinking due to cognitive decline. We ensure:
  • Regular nutritional assessments and monitoring of hydration levels.
  • Finger foods and modified diets are provided when required.
  • Encouragement and supervision during mealtimes to ensure adequate intake, in line with Regulation 14 (Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs)​.

F. Supporting Independence and Daily Activities

• Encouragement of personal choices, such as selecting clothing or choosing meals, to maintain dignity and autonomy.
• Memory-stimulating activities, including gardening, music therapy, arts and crafts, and reminiscence sessions.
• Individual and group activities tailored to each person’s interests and abilities.

G. Family and Carer Involvement

• Open-door policy for families to discuss concerns and be involved in care planning.
• Dementia support groups for family members, providing guidance, emotional support, and education.
• Flexible visiting policies in line with Regulation 9A (Visiting and Accompanying in Care Homes)​.

H. End-of-Life Care for Individuals with Dementia

• Advance care planning in line with wishes, religious beliefs, and legal requirements.
• Coordination with palliative care teams to ensure comfort and dignity in the final stages.
• Emotional support for families and staff, ensuring a compassionate and respectful approach.

4. Staff Training and Development

To ensure excellence in dementia care, {{org_field_name}} provides:

• Mandatory dementia care training for all staff, covering:
  • Understanding dementia and cognitive decline.
  • Effective communication strategies.
  • Person-centred care principles.
  • Challenging behaviour management.
  • End-of-life care for dementia.
• Regular refresher training and continuous professional development.
• Specialist dementia champions within the team to support best practices.

5. Medication Management

Medication is only prescribed when necessary and regularly reviewed to prevent overuse of antipsychotics.

• Non-pharmacological interventions are prioritised before medication is considered.
• Medication administration follows the Safe Care and Treatment Policy (CH11) and Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment)​.

6. Responsibilities of Staff

All staff at {{org_field_name}} must:

• Deliver care with empathy, patience, and respect.
• Adapt care to each individual’s abilities and needs.
• Follow CQC standards and best practices in dementia care.
• Maintain clear and accurate care records to document changes and interventions.

7. Monitoring and Compliance

To ensure that our dementia care remains high quality and fully compliant with CQC regulations, we:

• Regularly review dementia care plans and update strategies accordingly.
• Conduct monthly dementia audits, reviewing medication use, staff training, and incident reports.
• Encourage feedback from families, people we support, and staff to improve services.
• Ensure that CQC inspectors have access to up-to-date policies and care documentation.

8. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Person-Centred Care Policy (CH07)
• Dignity and Respect Policy (CH08)
• Safe Care and Treatment Policy (CH11)
• Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs Policy (CH12)
• Receiving and Acting on Complaints Policy (CH14)
• End-of-Life and Palliative Care Policy (CH38)
• Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy (CH39)

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

• Legislation or CQC guidance is updated.
• New best practices in dementia care emerge.
• Family, staff, or service user feedback highlights areas for improvement.

---

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.