With latest figures suggesting that over 250,000 individuals will develop Alzheimer’s Disease each year in the UK, we are proactively introducing new and innovative ways to enrich the lives of those who live with us and are affected by the illness.
To deliver this across all of our homes we have used research from the University of Stirling to move away from traditional and strict medical models of dementia care and instead introduce a range of creative, non-pharmacological and person-centred approaches.
Our Cedar Philosophy focuses principally on an individual’s wellbeing, personal needs, and family background to provide bespoke and personalised care, rather than simply aligning care packages with general nursing requirements. For one particular resident living with dementia, for example, who was a managing director for more than 50 years, staff created an exclusive office space – complete with a desk, telephone and typewriter – which he visited on a daily basis to carry out his ‘day-to-day work’ and small projects he developed with staff.
Sue Austin, Chief Operating Officer at Morris Care, said: “Until we find a much-needed cure for this terrible and debilitating disease, our prime focus is to make sure that our residents live the very best life possible. Which is why we are hugely committed to this pioneering concept which places a significant emphasis on reducing stress and anxiety, and going above and beyond medical needs to enhance the social wellbeing of individuals.
“Our staff dedicate as much time as they can to really get to know an individual and to understand just what makes them tick, so that their care can be tailored specifically to their requirements. This not only helps them live calmer, more meaningful and independent lives, but in some cases, also reduces required levels of medication. Our Cedar Philosophy is having such a significant impact on our residents’ quality of life and we believe it really does have the potential to revolutionise dementia care here in the UK.”
If you want to talk confidentially to one of our team about our Cedar Philosophy or our care for dementia please contact us www.morriscare.co.uk/contact-us
