{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

---

Dementia Care Policy

Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} recognises that a significant number of people using its services might have some form and degree of dementia, which might change or progress during their time with the service, and some might develop the signs and symptoms of dementia after commencing services. {{org_field_name}} strives to achieve the same high standards of care for all the people it supports who have dementia and recognises that people with dementia have specific needs requiring, in turn, specific strategies in response.

{{org_field_name}}’s approach to dementia care is consistent with the common values, principles and standards that apply to all people using its services and national standards for dementia care developed by expert bodies such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the Social Care Institute for Excellence. It recognises the importance of the Government’s Dementia Care Strategy and is committed to its implementation.

Aim of Policy

This policy is intended to set out the values, principles and strategies underpinning {{org_field_name}}’s approach to people who have some form of dementia.

Principles

1. {{org_field_name}} follows principles of person-centred care in assessing and addressing the needs of the people using its services with dementia.
2. It also attempts to see the person with dementia as a whole person — not just someone who has a label of dementia attached to them.
3. {{org_field_name}}’s policies on equality and diversity apply to people with dementia as they do to all others. People are not to be excluded from any aspect of the service provision as defined in the Statement of Purpose because they have been assessed as having dementia in addition to other needs.
4. {{org_field_name}} requires its staff to treat people with dementia with respect at all times and to value their dignity.
5. {{org_field_name}} works closely with informal carers and relatives in assessing and addressing the needs of the person with dementia.
6. It also recognises that people with dementia have a right to express their wants and wishes and to take their own decisions according to their capacity to do so.
7. {{org_field_name}} complies with the provisions of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in respect of the decision-taking required by or on behalf of anyone with dementia. It seeks local safeguarding advice whenever it comes across people who might be being deprived of their liberty because of being subject to restrictions to which they have not given their consent.

Assessment, Diagnosis and Reviews

1. {{org_field_name}} works closely with local medical services including psychogeriatric services to ensure all people using services are properly and appropriately diagnosed and assessed.
2. It ensures that the health of all people who have a diagnosis of dementia is regularly monitored and reviewed.
3. It pays particular attention to ensuring that the medication prescribed to people with dementia is monitored and regularly reviewed.
4. {{org_field_name}} recognises that individuals might have different, or mixed types or forms of dementia and will be at different stages in the progression of the illness. It recognises that the effects of the illness will therefore vary from individual to individual and that a differential approach to each person’s needs should always be taken.

Care Strategies

1. {{org_field_name}} recognises that no single strategy is sufficient and that most with dementia will need a combination of approaches that might involve the prescribing of appropriate medicines and drugs, focused social care and support and in some cases, specialised psychological interventions. All interventions need to be developed as a whole and in relation to one another.
2. {{org_field_name}} aims to contribute to the range of interventions and programmes that commonly aim to maintain the capacities of people with dementia and improve their sense of wellbeing and quality of life.
3. This service recognises that “behaviour is communication” and will use positive strategies to identify and address any potential sources of upset or discomfort.
4. {{org_field_name}} works to ensure that all people with dementia are never socially excluded because of dementia and can lead a full life of their own choosing.

Staff Development and Training

1. {{org_field_name}} ensures that all staff receive dedicated training in dementia care principles and methods.
2. Staff new to care work are expected to achieve the Care Certificate Standard 9: Awareness of Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Disability, which is also used as a minimum benchmark for all care staff working with people with dementia.
3. Staff receive more advanced training in line with their roles and responsibilities for people who have dementia, such as when they take on the role of “Dementia Champion”.

Signed:	________________________________
Date:	________________________________
Policy review date:	________________________________

References

QS30: Dementia: Independence and Wellbeing (2013), NICE. This quality standard has been updated and replaced by NICE QS184.

NG97: Dementia: Assessment, Management and Support for People Living with Dementia and Their Carers (June 2018), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

QS1: Dementia: Support in Health and Social Care (2010), NICE. This quality standard has been updated and replaced by NICE QS184. 

---

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 ©2024 {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved