How Can Nursing Homes Take Better Care of Dementia Patients?

Caring for nursing home residents with dementia is different than the care provided to others. The staff must prioritize dignity and quality of life while having the patience and knowledge of how dementia manifests and progresses.

Unfortunately, not all facilities are equipped to handle the challenges of caring for those residents with dementia. Here is what nursing homes can do to improve the well-being of these residents.

Train Staff to Know More About Dementia

Sometimes, nursing home abuse happens when caregivers don’t have all the tools at their disposal.

That is not an excuse, but it could be a factor in these cases. For that reason, the staff needs to be fully educated about the signs and risks of dementia. Resources should be provided to help them understand the needs of these residents who have been diagnosed with dementia.

Training should focus on:

• Knowing the disease’s progression signs
• Responses to behavioral changes
• Communicate with residents who may struggle to express themselves

This type of continuous learning program should go beyond basic care. All caregivers need to learn techniques for de-escalation, redirection, and positive reinforcement. With these, they can more easily manage agitation or confusion when displayed by residents. When providers do not have this training, it can cause frustration. In turn, that could ultimately lead to abuse in the nursing home.

On the other hand, when caregivers are well-trained, they’re more confident in handling difficult situations, leading to a more compassionate environment.

Provide Person-Centered Care

Dementia affects people in different ways. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is not a single disease but a collection of symptoms. For that reason, a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. Nursing homes can improve care by creating plans that consider each resident’s history, personal preferences, and individual needs.

For example, a resident who spent their life as a musician might find comfort in listening to classical music. Incorporating these familiar elements into a resident’s daily routine provides a sense of comfort and stability.

Along with that, consistency matters. When residents who are struggling with dementia interact with the same caregivers each day, that can make them feel safer and more secure. Constantly rotating staff can be disorienting. All nursing homes should maintain the same assignments whenever possible.

Create a Safe and Comfortable Space

Simple design adjustments can make a nursing home feel more welcoming. As a result, it can become less overwhelming for residents. Some examples may include:

• Clear signage and visual cues to help the residents navigate their space.
• Color-coded hallways and rooms to make it easier to find their way around.
• Minimizing clutter and excessive noise to reduce overstimulation.
• Safe outdoor areas where residents can walk freely without the risk of wandering off.

Having a structured daily routine also helps create a sense of predictability, which can help reduce anxiety and confusion. When residents know what to expect each day, they feel more at ease in the facility.

Give Communication and Emotional Support

Often, dementia patients have difficulty expressing their needs or emotions. That can lead to behavioral changes. Caregivers must be trained to communicate with empathy. Staff members should be trained to speak slowly and use clear language. In some cases, using visual aids or gestures can help to communicate the resident’s feelings.

Families should also remain involved in their loved one’s care. Regular communication between staff and families ensures that the resident’s preferences and needs are continuously met.

Make Health and Nutrition a Main Focus

Many nursing home residents who suffer from dementia struggle with eating and drinking. This is often due to changes in appetite, difficulty using utensils, or forgetting to eat. Nursing homes must take steps to prevent malnutrition and dehydration.

With that in mind, they might want to serve visually appealing, easy-to-eat meals with soft textures. This can help those who have difficulty chewing. Also, staff can encourage hydration by offering flavored water, broths, or nutritional shakes. Assisting at mealtime for those who need guidance or reminders to eat can help to make sure they get the needed nutrition.

Manage Behavioral and Psychological Challenges

Agitation, aggression, or paranoia are common with dementia. Unfortunately, many facilities tend to overmedicate these residents. Instead, homes should focus on non-pharmacological methods. In these cases, staff should be trained to identify triggers that may cause distress, such as loud noises, bright lights, or unfamiliar environments.

Facilities may want to create calm, sensory-friendly spaces where residents can retreat when overwhelmed. Also, they may want to provide access to mental health professionals specializing in dementia care.

Commitment to Compassionate Care

When nursing homes invest in staff training, create dementia-friendly environments, and implement personalized care strategies, it can go a long way to boost the way of life for all residents, especially those affected by this disorder.

Any type of dementia care needs to focus on the fact that an individual deserves dignity, respect, and meaningful interactions.

If you believe that your loved one is not getting the care they require or has suffered from any type of abuse in a facility, My Nursing Home Abuse Guide can help. We have the resources to connect you with the right type of assistance for your case.