Individuals with dementia might suffer from a lack of resources, including information and support. This criterion looks at how these vulnerable people are cared for in order to ensure they continue living well into old age – even if it means bypassing certain needs such as nourishment or hygiene practices because what’s most important now may not be so tomorrow.
Food is a basic human need, but many people find it difficult to eat when they have dementia or other conditions that affect memory or thinking. This can be exacerbated by several factors, including limited access to food or drink, or limited availability of nutritious options. While they might not always be able to eat well-balanced meals, people with dementia can still survive healthy lives through access to enough food for their energy needs.
The physical environment in which care is provided can have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of someone with dementia. For example, providing furniture that’s easy to get in and out of or using lighting that’s not too bright can make it easier for someone to move around independently.
More broadly, the social environment includes other people. Isolation is one of the most common issues facing people living with dementia. Even if they are physically healthy, providing social activities for someone may help to improve their well-being and reduce loneliness or depression.
The informational needs of people living with dementia vary from day to day and might include anything from using a computer to watching television. It’s important to provide access not only to information about the condition itself but also to activities that will help manage it.
Community resources can include a variety of different things and might change depending on the situation and what’s required. The important thing is that people with dementia have access to information about resources they will find useful, such as housing options or support groups.
In cases where someone has been referred to a specialist service or if they have an existing relationship with another department, it’s important that they know where to go for services. Familiarity with the routing system can ease frustration and confusion about how to access these services.