Some recent research trends in dementia care in care homes.
In the last five or so years, there have been significant advancements in therapeutic approaches for dementia care in care homes in the UK. Several studies have focused on innovative strategies to enhance the quality of life and care for individuals living with dementia. One key area of development has been the implementation of specialised interventions such as Namaste Care, which has shown promising results in improving the well-being of individuals with advanced dementia (Latham et al., 2020). The role of Admiral Nurses and care home staff in supporting end-of-life care for people with dementia has also been explored, highlighting the importance of comprehensive and personalized care approaches (Moore et al., 2020).
The use of technology in dementia care continues to be recognised as a promising avenue for improving care practices. Studies have emphasized the potential of technology, including reminder systems, robotics, and telemedicine, in enhancing the delivery of care and support for individuals with dementia (Moyle, 2019).
We should not be forgetting the importance of person-centred care approaches; emphasizing the need for tailored and individualized care plans to meet the unique needs of each person living with dementia (Saragosa et al., 2022).
In the context of care homes, initiatives such as the Dementia Care Framework have been developed to optimize dementia care practices and enhance the quality of life for residents with dementia (Royston et al., 2017). Additionally, research has highlighted the significance of training programs for care home staff to promote personhood and citizenship, ultimately aiming to increase the well-being of individuals with dementia (Corner et al., 2023). These training workshops have the potential to positively impact the quality of care provided in residential care settings.
Furthermore, studies have emphasized the importance of nature-based interventions and personalized care plans in promoting independence and quality of life for individuals with dementia living at home (Evans et al., 2019; Savvas et al., 2021). The implementation of personalized reminiscence interventions using mobile technology has also shown promising outcomes in supporting individuals living with dementia and their carers (Laird et al., 2017).
Overall, the evolving landscape of dementia care in the UK has seen a shift towards more person-centred, technology-driven, and specialised approaches to enhance the quality of life and care for individuals with dementia in care homes. These advancements underscore the importance of continuous research and innovation in improving dementia care practices to meet the diverse and evolving needs of individuals living with dementia.
