This guide will help you answer the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Awareness of Dementia 3.3. Explain how to access the additional support of others when supporting individuals with dementia.
Supporting individuals with dementia can be challenging and often requires the involvement of multiple resources and professionals. Accessing additional support can enhance the quality of care provided and ensure that the needs of the individual are met comprehensively. This guide will explain how to access the additional support of others when supporting individuals with dementia.
Identifying the Need for Additional Support
Observing Changes in Behaviour or Condition
Recognising when additional support is needed is important. Look for:
- Significant changes in the individual’s behaviour.
- Increased confusion or agitation.
- Physical health concerns such as falls or rapid weight loss.
Consultation with Colleagues
Regularly discuss the individual’s condition with colleagues. Peer support can offer new insights and confirm if additional help is necessary.
Sources of Additional Support
Family and Friends
Engaging with Relatives
Families often know the person best. Regularly involve them in care decisions and ask for their observations. They can offer valuable emotional and practical support.
Seeking Their Inputs
Encourage family members to share their insights about the individual’s preferences and routines. This can help tailor more effective care plans.
Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs)
Understanding MDTs
Multi-Disciplinary Teams are groups of healthcare professionals from various specialities. These teams provide comprehensive care by addressing multiple aspects of an individual’s health.
Contacting MDTs
To access MDT support:
- Speak with your supervisor about the need.
- Arrange a meeting through the relevant healthcare provider.
- Attend MDT meetings to update the team about the individual’s condition.
Specialist Healthcare Professionals
Geriatricians
Geriatricians specialise in the care of older adults. They have extensive knowledge of age-related conditions, including dementia.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists can help manage behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. They can also prescribe medication if needed.
Community Resources
Memory Clinics
Memory clinics offer assessments and support for people with memory problems. They provide access to specialist care and can help with diagnosis and management plans.
Dementia Cafés
These are informal meet-ups where individuals with dementia and their carers can socialise and access support information.
Support Groups
Support groups provide a platform for sharing experiences and advice. They can be invaluable for emotional support and practical tips.
Social Services
Obtaining a Social Worker
Social workers can help with assessing the needs of the individual and arranging care services.
Accessing Financial Support
Social services can assist in identifying financial schemes and benefits available for individuals with dementia and their carers.
Voluntary Organisations
Alzheimer’s Society
The Alzheimer’s Society provides support, information, and advocacy for people with dementia and their carers.
Age UK
Age UK offers services ranging from befriending programmes to advice on benefits and health.
Technology and Online Resources
Telehealth Services
Telehealth services, including video consultations, can connect you with specialists without the need for travel.
Online Forums
Online forums and communities can provide peer support and advice from others in similar situations.
Practical Steps to Access Additional Support
Documenting the Need
Keep detailed records of the individual’s condition and the support already being provided. Documentation will make it easier to justify the need for additional resources.
Making Referrals
Internal Referrals
Within your organisation, refer to specialists or other departments using the appropriate channels.
External Referrals
For referrals to external agencies, follow your local protocols. This often involves filling out forms or contacting the agencies directly.
Using Technology
Use technology to arrange meetings, support sessions, and consultations.
Ensuring Consent
Always obtain the individual’s consent when making referrals and involving additional support. If they are unable to give consent, seek advice from their legal guardian or use the Mental Capacity Act as a guide.
Training and Professional Development
Continuous Learning
Stay updated with the latest developments in dementia care. Attend training sessions and workshops.
Seeking Mentorship
Find mentors within your organisation who have experience in dementia care. They can provide guidance and support.
Final Thoughts
Accessing additional support is really important in providing high-quality care for individuals with dementia. Whether it’s involving families, engaging with specialised healthcare professionals, or utilising community resources, each source of support plays an important role. By following the practical steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a comprehensive, effective approach to dementia care.
Example answers for unit 3.3. Explain how to access the additional support of others when supporting individuals with dementia
Example Answer 1
When I notice changes in behaviour or condition of individuals with dementia, I make sure to document everything meticulously. Keeping detailed records allows me to provide accurate updates during care meetings. If there are significant changes, such as increased confusion or agitation, I immediately discuss these observations with my colleagues and supervisors. This can confirm if there’s a need for additional support.
Example Answer 2
I regularly involve the family members of the individuals I support in care decisions. Families usually have a deep understanding of the person’s preferences, routines, and history. By consulting with them, I can tailor the care plan more effectively. They also provide essential emotional support and can relieve some of my responsibilities by helping with practical tasks.
Example Answer 3
In my role, I’ve found that Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs) are invaluable. I arrange meetings through the healthcare provider and attend these sessions to update everyone on the individual’s condition. The MDT includes specialists like geriatricians and psychiatrists who offer comprehensive care, addressing everything from behavioural issues to physical health.
Example Answer 4
Memory clinics are a fantastic resource that I’ve accessed for individuals showing early signs of dementia. These clinics offer assessments and ongoing support, helping with both diagnosis and management plans. They connect us with specialists who can provide more tailored care, making a significant impact on the quality of life for the individuals we support.
Example Answer 5
Social services have been very supportive in arranging care services and providing financial advice. I often contact a social worker to come and assess the needs of the individual. They can arrange for additional home help or day services and also help identify any financial benefits the person may be entitled to, which can be very beneficial for the family.
Example Answer 6
Technology also plays a big role in accessing additional support. I use Telehealth services for video consultations, which saves time and makes it easier to connect with specialists without needing to travel. Online forums are another great tool, where I can interact with other carers and share experiences, gaining new insights and practical advice.
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