Dementia is a frightening condition for both the sufferer, and their families. The term is used to describe a number of brain disorders that share a common outcome: the gradual loss of brain function. In its early stages dementia tends to cause memory loss, and difficulties in concentrating, but over time the symptoms get worse.
Francis House Homecare offers dementia care in the home environment. Evidence shows that remaining in familiar surroundings can ease the distress of dementia sufferers, and slow the progression of the symptoms.
Francis House Homecare offers personalised support for dementia sufferers, whether the symptoms are fairly mild, or severe. Central to our care is the creation of a client profile, gleaned from a range of family members. It will include their hobbies, achievements, profession, likes, dislikes, aspirations, values and dreams.
Dementia care treats the person, not the symptoms. So, specialist care workers will take time to engage dementia sufferers in activities, memories and conversations that are meaningful to them.
Often Francis House professional carers get involved at a point where family members are no longer able to cope on their own. Inviting professional care in the home of a loved one is always a sensitive process. We’re always clear that we don’t want to take over; rather we will support the family in whatever way they think is appropriate.
A key role for Francis House carers is helping family members, and their loved one if appropriate, with forward planning. Rather than reacting to each stage of the symptoms, we suggest ways to plan for their progression. We can also help with the process of applying for home care funding.
We provide ‘sit-in’ services which offer respite to family carers managing a relative, or spouse with dementia. Being a full-time dementia carer can be demanding and draining over time. Taking a short break is often beneficial for both parties.
Francis House care staff are trained to look beyond the challenging behaviour that can present as part of Alzheimer disease. Our primary goal is always to ensure that clients feel respected, cared for, valued and supported.
Francis House dementia care services are available to support clients in their own home. These are delivered by trained carers who have the versatility and expertise to successfully deliver care and support to people at all stages of dementia. The personalised care services provided are subject to an individual care plan assessment.
Managing medication
Personal care and grooming
Help with getting ready for the day or retiring to bed
Live-in care
Sitting service
Care during the night
Preparing meals
Laundry and cleaning tasks
Monitoring of nutritional intake
Specialist feeding through PEG
Shopping
Social outings and companionship
Francis House Homecare is recognised by the Care Quality Commission as a provider offering a consistently good service to dementia sufferers. We recognise that our clients with dementia are extremely vulnerable and our care staff are committed to providing care of a high standard via a professional relationship based on trust and respect.
Our care workers go through mandatory in-house training when they begin work with us. Further to this, they are required to complete supplementary training each year. Specialist training is available, including: stoma care, PEG feeding, dementia care, and managing challenging behaviour.