Renewed discussion has resurfaced about the non-medicated support of people experiencing some of the changed behaviours associated with dementia.
The journal of the American Medical Association found that non-medicated treatment of behavioural issues associated with dementia is proving to be more effective than medicated treatment, and without the risk of side effects.
This approach towards managing the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) is increasingly being adopted by aged care and community care providers such as Envigor Home Care and Seasons’ Aged Care.
Executive manager Tracey Silvester said the organisation believed the best philosophy for caring for those with dementia is to allow them to live their lives as free from behavioural management medication as possible.
“We work very closely with the families of all of our clients, and our team of healthcare professionals, to ensure that we are establishing the most effective care plan,” Silvester said.
She added that it was crucial that providers work with families to achieve this outcome.
“It is very distressing to see a person you love deteriorate cognitively and relationships change, so we work to demonstrate to families that we can look after their loved one, that they are safe and that they have a high quality of life. Families are vital to us getting to know the person, especially if they come to us with advancing dementia,” she said.
She said health professionals like doctors and nurses are only used as consultants when clients are unwell or if they require specialist intervention.
Silvester joined us to tell us more about this approach.
I have worked with people with dementia for about 30 years now and have completed extensive training including the Diploma of Dementia Care from the University of Tasmania. From my observations many so called “behaviours” are a result of the person living with dementia being unable to interpret and respond to their environment. They are often also brought about by the actions of untrained staff who know nothing about dementia.