At SweetTree we understand the challenges of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Since we were founded in 2002 we have been committed to providing holistic, high quality, person centred care to people with dementia; ensuring that their lives continue to be fulfilled, with the support of our specialist dementia trained carers and assessment staff.

Specially Trained Staff & RMN Support

Supporting someone with dementia requires both a practical understanding of the disease itself and an insight into the psychological and emotional journey that often takes hold as the illness progresses. Reflecting this, dementia training is an integral part of SweetTree's induction programme which all of our carers participate in. Additionally, recognising that dementia effects all individuals differently, SweetTree provides carers supporting clients with greater levels of need, such as those with challenging behaviour, depression and anxiety and increased confusion, with more advanced training and specialist one to one input as and when this is required.

The combination of SweetTree's team of specially trained carers and assessment staff helps ensure that our clients with dementia live active, meaningful and stimulating lives within surroundings that are both familiar and reassuring. Below are some of the techniques that we use to help ensure that our clients with dementia continue to live life to the full.

Reminiscence Therapy

Reminiscence is something we all do and, the older we get, the more likely we are to fall back on our memories to generate those sought after happy moments; regardless of whether we are alone or socialising with friends and relatives. Reminiscence is a perfectly natural activity which can have a great therapeutic effect on those suffering from the memory loss associated with dementia and can reveal a rich stream of insight and experience that is otherwise hard to bring to the surface.

Reminiscence therapy can take place in either a formal or informal setting and can be initiated in many ways including the use of photographs, music, visits to familiar places, exploring activities from the past and interacting with previously used objects from the work place or home.

Careful assessment and planning with a full social history

'Every person brings with them their own unique life history and ways of being (including feelings, experiences, skills, values, attitudes, likes and dislikes.'

Understanding the life history of a client with dementia is an essential part of caring for the individual in the present day. The life history may be given by the client themselves or their family and friends. The assessment used to learn more about the life of someone with dementia seeks to gain an insight into their favourite foods, friendships, past and present hobbies, activities, previous occupations and religion, as well as any organisations, cultures and social groups that are or were important to them. All of this information is extremely valuable to those providing care to ensure that a truly holistic view of the client and their care needs is created.

Meaningful Activities

Assisting clients to engage in meaningful and purposeful activities is a fundamental part of SweetTree's dementia programme. Such activities will promote self esteem and help maintain the skills that the person still has, as well as, provide an opportunity for enjoyment, pleasure and social contact.

For the individual with dementia, the activities undertaken need to be 'person centred' to ensure that they remain meaningful. For some, the preferred activities will include more interactive events like trips to concerts or the theatre, walks in particular parks or meals out in favourite restaurants. For those who are frailer or less willing to engage in physical activity, stimulation my may be achieved by visiting friends, assisting in the kitchen, enjoying old movies, having favourite books or poetry read out loud or carrying out gentle work in the garden or indoors with pot-plants.

Music is a universal language that promotes therapeutic responses. Aroma therapy can provide cues for daily events as well as creating a pleasant mood and give opportunities for reminiscing; just as applying a fragrant hand lotion can give pleasure through touch and smell. Multi-sensory therapies such as these and Snoezelen, which uses lights, sounds, smells and touch to create a positive experience for those with more advance dementia, are wonderful ways to address the needs of those who find it difficult to interact or communicate with the world and people around them.

Creative Dietary Support

A nutritious diet is always beneficial to older people however for many with dementia, sitting down to eat a full meal or managing cutlery may be difficult. Reflecting this, where appropriate SweetTree's carers will prepare foods that are easy to eat and serve regular snacks throughout the day to ensure that an adequate diet is maintained.

Telecare

Modern technology can now help give safety and security to people with dementia living in their own homes while also facilitating greater independence for relatives supporting the needs of someone with dementia. Sensors connected to a 24hour response centre can alert the call centre, family, cares and, if required emergency services, to any difficulties that may arise. The telecare package provided is always specifically designed to meet the particular needs of those it is being installed to assist, however may include personal alarms, fall sensors, fire alarms, intruder alarms, and flood detectors (for those at risk of leaving the taps running) and many, many more.