Comfort in Care: Elevating the Experience of Patients Living with Dementia with Thoughtful Design
Author: Dawn Wiggins, RPN, MSc
Every Hour, Every Moment: A Compassionate Approach to Friction-Free Care
In the world of dementia care, the focus is on redefining the caregiving experience with a range of innovative, dementia-accredited products. This holistic approach underscores the importance of relationships in delivering true person-centered care. Understanding that the connections between caregivers and individuals living with dementia are fundamental, this suite of products is designed with features that facilitate and enhance these vital connections, putting the needs and well-being of individuals at the forefront of care.
In the intricate landscape of dementia care, where words may become tougher to comprehend, maintaining visual contact becomes a cornerstone of effective interactions. Arjo's suite, comprising the Carendo®, Sara® Flex, Sara® Stedy, Wellness Nordic Relax® Chair, and the Atlanta™ Chair, prioritizes the ability for individuals with dementia to see their support person. This emphasis on eye contact serves as the magic touchpoint, allowing for more meaningful connections and facilitating effective communication through visual cues.
Beyond vision, the sensations experienced during care activities can be perceived differently as the disease progresses. Herein lies the significance of features like the soft and flexible knee support incorporated into Arjo's products. This element is paramount, especially when individuals with dementia may struggle to comprehend or express their needs. The knee support not only ensures comfort but may also contribute to independence with transfers, reducing the likelihood of struggles associated with uncomfortable equipment features.
In essence, Arjo's commitment to person-centered care goes beyond the functionality of their products. It extends into the realm of relationships, recognizing the pivotal role that visual connections and adaptive features play in enhancing the well-being of individuals living with dementia. Through this suite of innovative products, Arjo strives to create environments that not only address the unique challenges posed by dementia but also foster moments of comfort, independence, and meaningful connection in the caregiving journey.
Dementia Care Solutions Clinical Focus Guide
Due to the progressive nature of dementia and the potential presence of other chronic underlying conditions that may already affect mobility, the declining ability of the person to understand the task to be completed, along with communication challenges, it is easy to appreciate that hygiene care, mobility, and safe moving and handling are potentially complex aspects of supporting people with dementia.
Download our Dementia Care Solutions Clinical Focus Guide and learn about:
- Person-centered care for people living with dementia
- Overview and summary of needs when assessing hygiene and mobility risk
- Care recommendations for hygiene, mobility, and handling in dementia care
- Case examples from the Arjo Dementia Care portfolio
DOWNLOAD DEMENTIA CARE SOLUTIONS CLINICAL FOCUS GUIDE
Talk to an Arjo Solutions Expert
Learn more about Arjo’s wide range of dementia product solutions by speaking with an Arjo Solutions Expert, who will respond to your request in a timely manner.
About the author
Dawn Wiggins, RPN, MSc, President of ‘New Dementians Professional Healthcare’, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Speaker, Certified PAC Consultant, Trainer, Coach and Mentor (Teepa Snow).
Dawn is a registered nursing professional in the province of Ontario and has over 25 years of frontline healthcare experience. She leads a dynamic team of healthcare experts dedicated to one thing-making a positive impact in the lives of people living with dementia and their care partners.
Dawn has served in a number of different capacities over the years and has a wealth of experience in acute care, long term care, psychiatric care, home care, rehabilitation and palliative care. She has built and managed world class dementia care neighborhoods at the institutional level.