SL44-Supporting Individuals with Dementia Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Supporting Individuals with Dementia Policy

1. Purpose

At {{org_field_name}}, we are committed to providing high-quality, person-centred care and support for individuals living with dementia. Our approach ensures that individuals receive compassionate, dignified, and evidence-based care that enhances their well-being, maximises their independence, and safeguards their rights.

This policy is in line with the latest CQC regulations, the Care Act 2014, the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Health and Social Care Act 2008, NICE guidelines, and other relevant legal frameworks.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff members, including permanent, temporary, agency, and volunteer workers who provide support to individuals living with dementia. It covers all aspects of dementia care, including assessment, care planning, daily support, and safeguarding against abuse and neglect.

3. Related Policies

SL07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
SL08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
SL09 – Consent to Care Policy
SL13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
SL34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy
SL39 – Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy
SL21 – Medication Management and Administration Policy
SL42 – Communication and Engagement with Service Users and Families Policy

4. Principles of Dementia Care

4.1 Person-Centred Approach

Care is tailored to the individual’s history, preferences, and needs.
Individuals are supported to maintain as much independence and autonomy as possible.
Staff must use life history work, including memory books and personal objects, to promote familiarity and comfort.
The individual’s voice, choices, and dignity must be upheld at all times.

4.2 Dementia-Friendly Environments

The living environment must be adapted to be dementia-friendly, ensuring good lighting, clear signage, and minimisation of noise and clutter.
Assistive technology, such as reminder clocks, motion sensors, and GPS trackers, may be used to enhance safety and independence.
Spaces should promote orientation and familiarity, using personalised and visual cues to reduce confusion.

4.3 Effective Communication

Staff must use clear, simple language, maintain eye contact, and allow extra time for responses.
Non-verbal communication techniques such as gestures, facial expressions, and touch (where appropriate) should be used to reinforce understanding.
Individuals who require alternative communication methods (such as pictures, Makaton, or communication boards) should have access to these aids.
Staff must be trained in active listening skills to ensure they recognise and respond appropriately to individuals’ needs and emotions.

4.4 Supporting Daily Living and Well-Being

Individuals are encouraged to participate in meaningful activities, such as gardening, music therapy, and reminiscence therapy, which promote cognitive engagement and emotional well-being.
Mealtime assistance follows the Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs Policy (SL12), ensuring individuals receive appropriate support.
Assistance with personal care must be conducted with respect, sensitivity, and in line with the individual’s preferences.

4.5 Managing Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

Staff must be trained in de-escalation techniques to manage distress, agitation, or aggression in a calm and reassuring manner.
The approach to managing behaviours that challenge should be non-pharmacological wherever possible, using techniques such as distraction, engagement, and environmental adjustments.
Medication must only be used as a last resort and in line with Medication Management and Administration Policy (SL21) and medical guidance.
Staff must be able to identify pain, infections, or environmental factors that may contribute to changes in behaviour.

4.6 Risk Management and Safeguarding

Individuals with dementia may be at greater risk of financial abuse, neglect, or exploitation. All concerns must be reported following the Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (SL13).
Risk assessments should be regularly reviewed to ensure safety measures, such as falls prevention strategies and emergency plans, are in place.
If an individual has a tendency to wander, staff must implement appropriate safety measures without imposing unnecessary restrictions.

4.7 Decision-Making and Mental Capacity

Staff must follow the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and assume individuals have capacity unless proven otherwise.
Capacity assessments must be decision-specific, and best-interest decisions must involve the individual, their family, and other professionals as appropriate.
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) must be considered where necessary, ensuring that restrictions are proportionate and lawful.

4.8 Supporting Families and Carers

Families must be involved in care planning, where consent is given, and provided with regular updates on their loved one’s well-being.
A keyworker should be assigned to each individual to act as a liaison between the individual, their family, and other professionals.
Families should have access to support groups, training, and respite services to help them manage their role as caregivers.

4.9 Medication Management

Any medications prescribed for dementia-related symptoms must be regularly reviewed in consultation with medical professionals.
Non-drug interventions must always be considered before medication is used to manage symptoms.
Medication should only be administered in accordance with the Medication Management and Administration Policy (SL21).

5. Staff Training and Development

Staff must receive mandatory dementia training that covers communication techniques, person-centred approaches, and responding to behaviours that challenge.
Training must be refreshed annually to ensure best practices are followed.
Specialist dementia champions within the organisation should provide ongoing support and guidance to other staff members.

6. Monitoring and Quality Assurance

Regular audits and care reviews are conducted to assess the quality and effectiveness of dementia care within the organisation.
Feedback from individuals, families, and staff is actively sought to improve service delivery.
Any incidents, complaints, or safeguarding concerns related to dementia care must be reviewed, investigated, and acted upon.
Compliance with CQC fundamental standards and best practices is monitored through continuous improvement plans.

7. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Personal information regarding individuals living with dementia must be handled in strict accordance with GDPR and Confidentiality Policies (SL34).
Any discussions about care plans or medical decisions must be conducted in private settings and with consent where applicable.

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to legislative changes, feedback from individuals and families, or identified improvements in practice.

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}}
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