Signature launches innovative new dementia care strategy

Signature Senior Lifestyle has initiated its new dementia strategy, My Life Dementia Pathway, as part of its five-year strategy to create innovative, warm and welcoming dementia communities. 

The strategy will focus on five key areas: Information of ‘My Life’, ‘Diagnosis & Assessing My Life’, ‘Supporting My Life’, ‘Living My Life’ and ‘End of My Life’.

As part of the strategy, all chefs will be up-skilled on the understanding of how dementia affects nutrition and hydration, learning to create appetising meals which take into account all the senses.

The finer details of furnishings have also been considered, including how homes will utilise both bright and contrasting coloured furniture to enable residents to navigate around their environment with ease and promote safer mobility.

Technology will also have a role to play in further promoting independence among residents, whilst maintaining safety by installing state-of-the-art sound, movement and/or camera sensors in bedrooms, where required.

Underlining its whole-home approach, the My Life strategy features a mandatory training programme for team members across all 36 of its care homes. 

Of Signature’s 2,000 residents, 30% are currently living in its dementia communities. All of Signature’s 3,500+ staff will be implementing the My Life strategy, which also provides support to residents’ families and friends in informal social gatherings, events and individualised meetings.

The training programme seeks to understand the perspective of a person living with dementia, through a practical immersion workshop to gain a first-hand understanding of the daily experiences of those living with dementia.

In developing its strategy, Signature has consulted with Alzheimer’s Research UK and continues to do so to ensure it reflects the latest available guidance. 

“Signature provides the best possible care for our dementia communities, to enhance familiarity, and build trusting relationships and gain knowledge of each resident,” said head of Dementia Michele Saunders.

“My Life underpins our approach and allows us to see the person living with dementia as an individual so we can make a difference to the lives of all our residents every day.

“Recruiting team members who are passionate about supporting residents living with dementia is fundamental. We see it as essential for all of our team members to gain an in-depth understanding of dementia to really deliver comprehensive person-centred care on a daily basis.

“Achieving this requires constant energy, plenty of enthusiasm, and unwavering empathy and understanding. We are committed to ensuring our dementia care remains industry-leading and sets the standard for generations to come.”

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