Session 6,
Person Centred Dementia Care Plan,
How to Create a Safe Environment.
Hello again,
Welcome to Session 6.
We've covered some challenging topics in this course and you've done really well in working through the content to help the person in your care have more moments of joy.
Take a moment to give yourself credit for your commitment and the time you've put in.
Today we'll begin with a meditation practice and then move on to how to create a peaceful and safe environment for the person in your care.
Take a moment to come back to centre.
Close your eyes,
Sit quietly and regroup.
Focus on your breath.
Five mindful breaths.
Letting the out-breath be slightly longer than the in-breath.
No need to hurry.
When you notice you've been caught in thought,
Gently begin again.
It's just a thought and a thought can be changed.
You might like to imagine the thought as a cloud passing through the sky.
Take this time to be still before we begin.
Today is a practical session focused on how to create a safe familiar environment by providing sensory stimulation and maintaining routine.
Lesson,
A comfortable predictable environment can reduce confusion and agitation.
Strategy.
Ensure the space is familiar with personal items,
Photos and objects that evoke positive memories.
Small things can make a big difference.
Switching off the television or radio during meals can help the person living with dementia focus.
A quiet space for rest and reflection promotes calm.
Personal touches like a wedding photo or favourite artwork can bring comfort and stability.
Reduce risk and confusion by removing hazards such as loose rugs,
Ensuring the environment is uncluttered and keeping furniture visible.
Use clear signage and bright contrasting colours to help with navigation.
Light space as well,
Especially hallways and bathrooms.
There are many examples of dementia-friendly communities online.
You could begin with your local dementia organisation's website for inspiration and ideas.
Let's look at some helpful examples.
Clocks.
Dementia-friendly clocks use large easy-to-read displays and may show the day,
Date and time of day.
Some also provide medication or appointment reminders.
Signs and labels.
Use large clear fonts and pictures to label rooms,
Drawers and cupboards.
It can make it easier for the person in your care to move confidently around their space.
We use sticky notes for mum with labels like teapot and water.
Photographs and personal items.
Use photos and familiar objects as prompts for storytelling or connection.
Be mindful to choose images that evoke positive emotions,
Perhaps a holiday snap or something from a favourite hobby.
Avoid potentially triggering photos,
Such as those of loved ones who've recently passed.
Invite the person in your care to help select which items to display,
Like a beloved book or treasured recipe.
This is also a great time to reflect.
Is there one strategy from a previous session in this course that's made a positive difference for you so far?
Take a moment to recall it and feel free to repeat it again today.
Thanks again for listening.
I look forward to meeting you where you are in the next session.
