Dementia Care Homes For Challenging Behaviour

Finding Specialised Care for Loved Ones

When a loved one with dementia begins to exhibit challenging behaviours, it can be one of the most difficult and emotionally draining experiences for families. You may feel overwhelmed, uncertain about the future, and concerned about finding appropriate care that addresses these complex needs while maintaining your loved one’s dignity and quality of life.

What Constitutes Challenging Behaviour in Dementia?

Challenging behaviours in dementia can take many forms, including:

• Aggression (verbal or physical)
• Agitation and restlessness
• Wandering and exit-seeking
• Repetitive actions or questions
• Sundowning (increased confusion in late afternoon/evening)
• Resistance to personal care
• Inappropriate social behaviours
• Sleep disturbances

These behaviours aren’t deliberate or intentional but rather expressions of unmet needs, discomfort, confusion, or an inability to communicate effectively. Understanding this is the first step in finding appropriate care.

Specialised Dementia Care: What to Look For

When searching for a care home equipped to manage challenging behaviours, several key factors should be considered:

Specialised Training and Expertise

Staff should be specifically trained in dementia care with additional expertise in managing challenging behaviours. This includes understanding the underlying causes of such behaviours and implementing person-centred approaches to care.

Safe and Supportive Environment

The physical environment plays a crucial role in managing challenging behaviours. Look for homes with:

• Secure but non-restrictive settings
• Dementia-friendly design features
• Reduced stimulation in certain areas
• Clear signage and visual cues
• Access to safe outdoor spaces
• Private spaces for when residents need quiet time

Person-Centred Approach

Each person with dementia is unique, with their own history, preferences, and needs. Effective care homes develop individualised care plans that consider the whole person, not just their condition or behaviours.

Appropriate Staffing Levels

Higher staff-to-resident ratios ensure that residents receive adequate attention and support, particularly during challenging episodes.

The Lidder Care Difference: Specialised Dementia Support

At Lidder Care, we understand the unique challenges faced by families supporting loved ones with dementia who exhibit challenging behaviours. Our approach combines expertise, compassion, and personalised care to create an environment where residents can thrive despite their cognitive challenges.

Our Dementia Care Philosophy

Our care philosophy centres on understanding that challenging behaviours are a form of communication. Our specialised team at Lidder Care works to identify triggers and underlying causes, developing personalised strategies to reduce distress and promote wellbeing.

Newgate Lodge care home Mansfield, part of the Lidder Care family, is specially designed to support individuals with dementia, while our Lowmoor Nursing Home provides care for those with advanced dementia who exhibit more challenging behaviours. Our purpose-built facilities provide a safe, secure environment while maintaining a homely atmosphere that residents find comforting.

Specially Trained Team

Our staff undergo comprehensive training in dementia care, with additional specialisation in managing challenging behaviours. This includes:

• Understanding the progression of different types of dementia
• Identifying early signs of distress or agitation
• De-escalation techniques
• Non-pharmacological interventions
• Communication strategies for those with limited verbal abilities
• Creating meaningful activities that engage and calm

Personalised Care Plans

We recognise that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing challenging behaviours. Each resident receives a detailed assessment upon admission, and we work closely with families to understand their loved one’s history, preferences, and triggers. This information helps us create highly individualised care plans that:

• Identify and minimise triggers for challenging behaviours
• Incorporate preferred activities and routines
• Include strategies that have worked well in the past
• Adapt as needs change over time

Supportive Environment

Our facilities are thoughtfully designed with dementia care in mind:

• Secure gardens allow for safe outdoor access
• Clearly defined spaces help with orientation
• Sensory areas provide appropriate stimulation
• Quiet zones offer respite from overwhelming situations
• Memory boxes outside rooms help with recognition

Partnership with Families

We believe families are essential partners in providing exceptional care. We maintain open communication with regular updates and encourage family involvement in care planning. Our team offers support and education to help families understand their loved one’s condition and behaviours.

Making the Transition: Support Every Step of the Way

Moving a loved one into a care home is never an easy decision, particularly when challenging behaviours are involved. At Lidder Care, we understand this transition can be emotionally difficult for both residents and their families.

Our Transition Support Includes:

• Pre-admission assessments to ensure we can meet your loved one’s specific needs
• Detailed discussions about behaviours, triggers, and successful management strategies
• Gradual introduction to the home when possible
• Personalised settling-in plan
• Regular updates during the adjustment period
• Ongoing family support and involvement

When to Consider Specialised Care

Knowing when to transition to a specialised care home can be challenging. Consider seeking specialised care when:

• Behaviours become difficult to manage safely at home
• The person’s quality of life could be improved with professional support
• Caregiver stress has reached unsustainable levels
• There’s risk of harm to the person or others
• Current care arrangements can no longer meet complex needs

Taking the Next Step

Finding the right care for a loved one with challenging behaviours requires careful consideration and often visits to potential homes. At Lidder Care, we welcome families to visit our facilities, meet our team, and ask questions about our approach to managing challenging behaviours.

We encourage prospective residents to spend time with us before making a decision, joining us for a meal or participating in activities to experience our community firsthand.

Our compassionate team is ready to discuss your specific situation and how we can help provide the specialised care your loved one deserves. Contact us today to arrange a visit or consultation with our dementia care specialists.

By choosing Lidder Care, you’re joining a supportive community dedicated to providing exceptional, dignified care for people living with dementia, regardless of the challenges they face.