When a loved one is living with dementia, their needs can be complex, sensitive, and ever-changing. No two people experience dementia in the same way - what brings comfort, joy, or peace to one person may not work for another. That’s why a personalised care plan isn’t just a “nice to have” - it’s absolutely vital for delivering high-quality, dignified dementia care.
What Is a Personalised Care Plan?
A personalised care plan is a detailed, living document that outlines every aspect of a client’s support needs, preferences, and daily routines. For someone with dementia, this goes far beyond basic medical care. It’s about understanding the whole person—their history, habits, likes and dislikes, and the small details that make each day meaningful.
A robust care plan will typically cover:
- Daily Tasks & Routines: Familiar routines help reduce confusion and anxiety.
- Medication Management: Accurate, safe administration and monitoring.
- Personal History & Background: Life story, significant memories, and important milestones.
- Interests & Hobbies: Activities and pastimes that bring joy and maintain cognitive function.
- Significant People & Places: Family, friends, and locations that provide comfort or spark recognition.
- Social Engagement: Opportunities for meaningful interaction and connection.
- Mobility, Nutrition & Hydration: Physical health, movement, and dietary needs.
- Carer Suitability: The type of carer you would like, their experience, training, hobbies and interests
Why Is Personalisation So Important for Dementia?
Dementia affects memory, communication, and behaviour in ways that are deeply personal. Generic care often overlooks triggers, preferences, and the subtle cues that can transform a challenging day into a positive one. Here’s why personalisation matters:
- Reduces Anxiety: Familiar routines and surroundings can help minimise distress and confusion.
- Supports Independence: Tailored support empowers individuals to do as much as they can for themselves, preserving dignity.
- Maintains Identity: Honouring personal history, interests, and relationships helps clients feel valued and understood.
- Improves Wellbeing: Meaningful activities and social engagement can slow cognitive decline and boost mood.
- Enhances Safety: Personalised risk assessments ensure support is proactive and preventative.
The Power of Staying at Home
For many living with dementia, remaining in their own home is a source of enormous comfort. Surrounded by their possessions, memories, and familiar faces, clients are better able to maintain routines and independence. Home-based care also allows for one-to-one attention from a dedicated and experienced carer, making it much easier to adapt support as needs evolve.
Our Approach: Nurse-Led Personalised Care Planning at Hamilton George Care
At Hamilton George Care, we believe that truly exceptional dementia care starts with listening. Our in-house nurse works closely with every family to create a care plan that is as unique as your loved one.
Here’s how our process works:
1. Comprehensive Assessment (Virtual or In-Person)
- Our in-house nurse conducts a thorough assessment, lasting 1–1.5 hours, either virtually or in the client’s home.
- The assessment explores daily routines, medication, medical history, interests and hobbies, significant people and places, social engagement, mobility, nutrition, hydration, and any specific concerns.
- We encourage family members to participate, ensuring the plan reflects what truly matters.
- This information is used to identify the carers that we think would best suit, but we will always arrange interviews so you have choice and control over who provides your care
2. Collaborative Feedback and Ongoing Tailoring
- Once the placement begins, our fully trained live-in carer also completes their own assessment based on day-to-day observations.
- After 72 hours, the nurse checks in with both the carer and the client (or family), comparing insights and feedback.
- This collaborative approach ensures the care plan is continually refined and remains person-centred.
- Family involvement is welcomed wherever possible, making care a true partnership.
3. Regular Reviews and Responsive Support
- If everything is running smoothly, we schedule a formal review at six months.
- If needs change, or if the client or family requests it, urgent reviews and updates are arranged at any time.
- Our nurse and care team remain in close contact, ready to adapt support as soon as it’s needed.
Why Choose Hamilton George Care?
- Your Chosen Carers: We will suggest experienced carers who we think would suit you best, but your carers are ultimately chosen by you to ensure peace of mind.
- Clinical Excellence: Our nurse-led approach ensures medical needs are expertly managed.
- Trained Carers: All carers complete comprehensive dementia training and etiquette modules, enabling them to provide compassionate, respectful support.
- Personal Touch: We focus on building genuine relationships and understanding the individual behind the diagnosis.
- Transparent Communication: Families are kept in the loop, with regular updates and opportunities to share feedback.
- Staying at Home: Clients remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, with routines and independence preserved.
If you’d like to discuss how a personalised care plan could help your loved one, please contact us at advice@hamiltongeorgecare.com or 0330 4702866.
