Dementia Care

Compassionate, Person-Centred Dementia Care

At Fairfield House, we provide compassionate, person-centred dementia care tailored to the individual needs of each resident. We understand that dementia affects far more than memory, it can influence perception, communication, emotions, and behaviour. Our approach ensures residents feel safe, respected, and valued, while families gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones are supported by experienced, highly trained professionals.

Understanding Behaviour in Dementia

Every behaviour expressed by a person living with dementia has meaning and purpose. What may appear challenging or confusing is often a response to fear, frustration, discomfort, or an unmet need that cannot be easily communicated.

Our team takes the time to understand the underlying causes of behaviour, carefully considering factors such as illness, pain, emotional distress, or environmental triggers rather than simply attributing actions to dementia itself. This thoughtful approach allows us to respond with empathy, reassurance, and respect.

A Case Study in Dementia Care

Consider the situation of Mr Smith, a widower living with dementia. One day, he attempts to leave the residence, insisting that his wife is waiting for him at home:

“She is ill and needs me, please help me to get out of here, can’t you see it’s cruel to keep me here when I should go home.”

In this moment, our staff do not simply tell Mr Smith he is mistaken or try to enforce rules. Instead, they use techniques designed to allay fear and validate his feelings. By acknowledging his emotions, providing reassurance, and gently guiding him back to a safe environment, staff help reduce distress while maintaining his dignity.

Staff Training and Expertise

To ensure the highest standard of dementia care, all Fairfield House staff complete specialist training. We have introduced “Communication and Care Giving in Dementia: A Positive Vision” by Dr Gemma Jones as part of our staff development programme.

This training covers:

Understanding the effects of dementia on behaviour
The impact of sensory-perceptual deficits on perception and communication
Positive communication strategies that validate feelings and alleviate fear or frustration

Additionally, our staff attend courses covering dementia care in detail, equipping them with the skills to respond effectively to challenging situations while promoting emotional wellbeing.

Person-Centred Care at Its Core

At Fairfield House, we recognise that every resident is an individual with their own history, preferences, and needs. Our dementia care approach is built on:

Respect and Dignity: Every resident is treated as an individual, with care tailored to their unique needs.
Understanding and Patience: Staff seek to understand the meaning behind behaviour, rather than reacting with frustration or blame.
Safe and Supportive Environment: Residents are supported in a secure setting that encourages independence while providing reassurance.

Dementia Care Types We Support

Mild Dementia

Someone living with what we define as mild dementia may experience some or all of the following:

Memory problems, such as misplacing items or difficulty recalling recent events
Challenges with planning, problem-solving, and decision-making
Language and communication difficulties, including finding the right words
Poor orientation, such as getting lost in previously familiar places
Difficulty judging distances, leading to increased risk of falls
Changes in mood, including anxiety or depression
In some types of dementia, personality or behavioural changes may occur even when memory is relatively unaffected

Our care focuses on maintaining independence for as long as possible, while offering gentle support and reassurance.

Moderate Dementia

Someone living with moderate dementia may experience more noticeable changes, including:

Worsening memory problems, including difficulty recognising family and friends
Repeating questions or conversations
Increased communication difficulties, such as losing track mid-sentence or struggling to understand others
Frequent confusion about time, place, or surroundings — sometimes even within their own home
Apathy, anxiety, or depression
Beliefs that are not true (paranoia)
Hallucinations
Reduced emotional control, including anger, fearfulness, or sadness
Loss of inhibition
Sleep disturbances, including waking during the night and confusion between day and night

At this stage, our care becomes more structured, offering increased support while continuing to respect the individual’s identity and emotional needs.

Supporting Families

Dementia affects families as deeply as it affects residents. At Fairfield House, we work closely with loved ones, providing regular updates, guidance, and reassurance. By sharing insights into behaviour and communication strategies, we help families maintain meaningful connections and feel confident in the care their loved one is receiving.

If you’d like to find out more about Fairfield House, please call 01297 443 513 or email us, we’d love to hear from you.

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