Dementia Care with The Butler Canberra…

Dementia is a terminal condition. Whilst there is no current cure, there are things we can do to support people to live well with the condition. Studies have shown that people living with dementia can significantly enhance their quality of life by managing symptoms and providing them with a supportive environment. A vital element in dementia care is person-centred care. We work with the person, and they are participants in their own care. We value and respect the person; we treat each person as an individual, we take the time to know what is important for the person, and we create an environment that promotes: freedom, inclusion, connection, and purposeful activity.

As a home care provider, The Butler Canberra entails gaining a comprehensive understanding of the individual and their story, considering their cultural background, social and family networks, activity, environment, and their wants and needs when planning their care plan.

There are numerous interventions to assist people with dementia in maintaining their independence and keeping them active. As many studies suggest, exercise training and memory training are crucial for physical and cognitive functions. Here at The Butler, our allied health team tailors exercise programs for our consumers to help prevent muscle weakness, mobility issues and other health problems related to inactivity. We also provide opportunities for our consumers to use their residual abilities as it is an essential part of dementia care. 

Our case manager, clinical staff and carers work closely to create a person-

centred care plan that includes activities relevant to the person’s hobbies that were important or pleasurable before the start of dementia and are still fun for them now, and activities that are both culturally and personally significant can be found in the consumer’s everyday life.