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HCS20-Dementia Care Policy

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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Dementia Care Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} provides high-quality, person-centred care for people living with dementia. This policy aligns with the Health and Social Care Standards (My support, my life) and the Care Inspectorate Quality Framework for Support Services (care at home, including supported living models of support) used for self-evaluation and inspection. It also reflects the SSSC Codes of Practice (effective from 1 May 2024) and relevant Scottish legislation and regulations. It establishes clear guidance on how we support individuals living with dementia while maintaining their dignity, independence, and quality of life.

Our commitment is to:

Legislation and regulatory requirements

{{org_field_name}} will deliver dementia care in line with relevant Scottish law and regulatory requirements, including (where applicable):

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff at {{org_field_name}}, including carers, management, and administrative personnel involved in dementia care services. It also provides guidance for families, external agencies, and professionals collaborating with our service to support individuals living with dementia.

It covers:

3. Person-Centred Dementia Care Approach

At {{org_field_name}}, we are committed to providing person-centred dementia care, recognising that each individual’s experience of dementia is unique. Our approach is based on understanding each person’s personal history, preferences, and aspirations while ensuring they are included in their care decisions.

Our key principles include:

4. Care Planning and Assessment

Dementia care planning must be individualised, flexible, and regularly updated to reflect changing needs and preferences. Care planning at {{org_field_name}} follows a structured process:

Pre-Assessment

Before commencing care, a thorough pre-assessment is conducted to determine the individual’s needs, risks, and personal preferences. This involves:

Ongoing Assessment

Assessments continue throughout the care journey to monitor changes in cognitive function, behaviour, and overall health. This includes:

Personalised Care Planning

Each person we support has a tailored care plan that reflects their strengths, needs, and aspirations. Plans outline:

In line with SSI 2011/210 (Regulation 5: Personal plans), we will ensure that each person has a written personal plan within 28 days of starting the service. The plan will be developed with the person and, where appropriate, their representative and those important to them. The personal plan will be reviewed at least every six months, and sooner where there is a significant change in needs, risks, presentation, or outcomes.

Risk Management in Dementia Care

We balance safety with autonomy, enabling individuals to live as independently as possible while minimising risks. This includes:

Capacity, consent and supported decision-making

Dementia does not automatically mean someone lacks capacity. We will presume capacity unless there is evidence otherwise and will provide communication support and time to help the person make decisions. Where a person may lack capacity for a specific decision, we will follow relevant Scottish legal frameworks and work with the person’s welfare attorney/guardian (where appointed) and partner professionals. Any restriction (for example, supervision to prevent harm or technology used to reduce risk) will be necessary, proportionate, time-limited, and the least restrictive option, and will be recorded clearly in the personal plan with agreed review dates.

5. Communication and Engagement

Good communication is essential in dementia care. {{org_field_name}} ensures staff are trained in:

6. Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

People living with dementia may experience symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, aggression, depression, and hallucinations. Our approach includes:

7. Staff Training and Development

Dementia care requires specialised training. {{org_field_name}} ensures that all staff receive:

8. Safeguarding and Protecting Vulnerable Adults

{{org_field_name}} follows local multi-agency adult protection procedures and our Adult Support and Protection Policy, in line with the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007. Staff must take immediate action where an adult is believed to be at risk of harm (including neglect, financial harm, coercion/undue influence, or self-neglect) and must record and report concerns without delay in accordance with our reporting pathways.

This includes:

9. Supporting Daily Living and Activities

Daily routines and engagement in meaningful activities help improve the wellbeing of people living with dementia. Our approach includes:

10. Partnership Working

Collaboration with external agencies ensures comprehensive dementia care. We work closely with:

11. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

To maintain high standards in dementia care, we:

We will meet our Duty of Candour responsibilities. Where an incident meets the duty of candour thresholds, we will follow the required procedure, including open communication with the person/family, offering to meet, providing an apology, keeping appropriate records, and using learning from events to improve practice and reduce recurrence.

12. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or as required due to legislative changes or organisational developments.

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.

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