Hamberley Care Homes has launched a new Dementia Strategy to ensure residents can live as independently as possible.

The ‘Bringing Out The Best’ strategy is headed up by leading dementia expert, David Moore, who joined the company last year as head of dementia.

The strategy is built around the principle of ‘doing with’ residents rather than ‘doing to’ residents as they progress through the different stages of the illness. 

Moore said: “In many care settings, residents with dementia often lose their independence as numerous things are done for them, including tasks they can still manage.

“This is due to others focusing purely on the dementia, and what it takes away, rather than seeing the unique person living with dementia. 

“This narrow-viewed approach can contribute to the functional decline of an individual as they lose more of their abilities, not because of their dementia, but because they are not supported to maintain their remaining skills. 

“We believe that people living with dementia are first and foremost individuals, with unique strengths, preferences, and life experiences.

“Our approach is centred on recognising and celebrating the person, empowering them to maintain independence and dignity in every aspect of their life.”

The  strategy is underpinned by Hamberley’s unique Homemaker model of care, which goes beyond traditional caregiving.

The Homemaker role combines care, companionship, and housekeeping in one universal role, ensuring residents receive truly-holistic support.

And, as dementia progresses, Homemakers adapt their support to each individual’s changing needs, promoting dignity and autonomy at every stage.

Co-produced with residents, families, and team members, the strategy reflects a deeply-person-centred and strengths-based approach, moving beyond traditional models of care to celebrate each person’s potential. 

It is based on five key pillars of dementia care:

• Building a highly-skilled team to promote independence and provide responsive support
• Knowing each person and recognising their unique strengths
• Creating supportive, homely environments that foster comfort and autonomy
• Maximising physical and mental wellbeing through nutrition, meaningful activity, and therapeutic programmes
• Empowering families as integral partners in care, offering them tailored support and resources 

Moore said: “Our new strategy is all about recognising the person, not just the condition.

“By focusing on each individual’s strengths and involving families every step of the way, we’re creating environments where people living with dementia can truly thrive.”