This article is the third in our series on The Three I’s approach to specialised dementia care at Livewell Bryanston. In our previous articles, we explored Impairment – how understanding the challenges of dementia allows us to provide personalised care and Inclusion, which highlighted the importance of fostering meaningful social interactions and engagement for our residents.
In this final article, we focus on Improvement – the continuous efforts we make to enhance our residents’ quality of life and cognitive abilities. Through ongoing education, research, and a holistic approach to care, we ensure that each resident receives the highest level of support to help them live as comfortably and independently as possible.
Education and Training for Specialised Dementia Care
At Livewell Bryanston, we believe that the more knowledge our carers have, the better they can support our residents. That’s why ongoing education is a cornerstone of our approach. Our structured training programs equip carers with essential skills and up-to-date knowledge for specialised dementia and Alzheimer’s care. In 2024, training sessions covered crucial topics such as:
- Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s
- Hallucinations, Delusions, and Paranoia
- Sundowning
- Basic Hygiene and Grooming
- Infection Control
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) – signs, symptoms, testing, and catheter care
A recent example of our commitment to training was in December when approximately 74 carers on the day shift participated in a session on the urinary system. They not only gained a deeper understanding but also completed a test to ensure comprehension. Our carers are always eager to expand their knowledge, knowing that each new skill helps them provide more effective, compassionate care for our residents.
Looking ahead, upcoming training will focus on nutrition, dietary management, weight monitoring, and emergency response techniques like the Heimlich manoeuvre, ensuring our team is always prepared to handle critical situations with confidence.
Education in Action
For people with dementia, even small health concerns can escalate quickly if not monitored closely. One example is constipation – a common yet often overlooked issue that can cause discomfort, agitation, and serious health complications if left unmanaged. To address this, we’ve implemented a bowel action chart, allowing carers to track bowel movements and ensure timely intervention with laxatives or stool softeners when needed. This proactive approach not only prevents discomfort but also helps residents feel more at ease, reducing anxiety and agitation associated with physical discomfort.
Similarly, behavioural changes can often be the first sign of an underlying health issue. For instance, increased confusion may indicate a UTI, which, if untreated, can significantly worsen dementia symptoms. Our carers are trained to notice and document even the smallest changes in residents’ behaviour, mobility, eating habits, and overall condition. This information is shared through shift WhatsApp groups and handover sheets, allowing for early intervention and a swift response before issues escalate.
Research and Innovation
Staying at the forefront of dementia and Alzheimer’s research allows us to continually refine and enhance our care model. Our commitment to ongoing learning includes:
- Formal training sessions on new dementia care practices
- Short articles and information pamphlets shared with carers via WhatsApp
- Health directives on emerging concerns, such as flu prevention following global health alerts
A recent innovation at Livewell Bryanston is the oral hygiene tracking system, designed to ensure residents maintain good dental health. Recognising that consistent oral care can often be overlooked, we introduced a chart to track brushing after meals and before bedtime. This initiative benefits both high and low-functioning residents, helping prevent cavities, tooth decay, and related health complications.
By incorporating preventative measures like this into our daily routines, we continue to improve not just physical health but also overall well-being.
The Role of Multidisciplinary Teams in Specialised Dementia Care
Specialised dementia care is complex, requiring expertise from various fields. At Livewell Bryanston, our residents benefit from a diverse team of professionals, including:
- Psychologists
- Biokineticists
- Dietitians
- Speech therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Specialist gerontologists
These experts work together to provide a holistic and individualised approach to care, ensuring every resident receives the specific support they need. Importantly, our residents have direct access to these specialists, who often have long waiting periods elsewhere, ensuring timely interventions and continuous, expert-led care.
Holistic Care
Physical Well-being: Encouraging Mobility
Movement is essential for both physical and mental health, which is why we prioritise daily exercise sessions, regular walks, and mobility support. Residents are encouraged to stay as active as possible, using wheelchairs only when necessary. A well-balanced diet is just as important. Our dietitian and speech therapist work alongside our chefs to create meals tailored to each resident’s nutritional needs, while weight and food intake are closely monitored. The benefits of regular movement and proper nutrition include:
- Enhancing mood and reducing agitation through endorphin release
- Improving muscle strength, balance, and cardiovascular health
- Preventing osteoporosis and supporting physical function
- Encouraging social interaction through group fitness sessions
Emotional Well-being: A Nurturing Environment
People living with dementia thrive in a stable, supportive, and familiar environment. At Livewell Bryanston, we nurture our residents in a loving and caring space where structure and routine provide a sense of security, yet independence and free will are always encouraged. We take great care to match carers to residents based on personality and needs, fostering meaningful connections. This personalised approach reduces anxiety, builds trust, and helps residents feel safe and valued.
Beyond the residents themselves, we recognise that dementia affects entire families. Providing ongoing support, guidance, and reassurance to loved ones is just as important as caring for our residents. Whether through family meetings, open communication, or simply being there to listen, we are committed to walking this journey alongside families, offering comfort and understanding every step of the way.
Social Well-being: Building Connections
Social engagement is a key factor in maintaining cognitive function and emotional well-being. At Livewell Bryanston, residents participate in daily group activities designed to foster connection, mental stimulation, and enjoyment. We offer a variety of mentally engaging activities, including arts & crafts, board games, puzzles, beading, paper crafts, storytelling, reminiscence therapy and more.
These activities provide sensory stimulation, maintain independence in daily tasks, and encourage communication. Research has shown that mental stimulation reduces anxiety, enhances memory, and slows cognitive decline, making it a vital part of dementia care.
Through continuous education, research, and a holistic approach, Livewell Bryanston is committed to Improvement – the third pillar of The Three I’s. Our residents benefit from the latest specialised dementia care advancements, proactive health monitoring, and a nurturing environment that supports their overall well-being. By staying informed, innovative, and dedicated to holistic care, we empower our residents to live fulfilling and enriched lives.
For further insights into our approach, read our previous articles on Impairment and Inclusion.