Dementia Care Framework A fundamentally different approach to one of the fastest growing challenges in health care. Four Seasons Health Care Consistently delivering special resident experiences
A unique step forward in the personalisation of care for those living with dementia. A care approach so revolutionary, every commissioning professional needs to know about it. Over 15,000 older people are currently being cared for in Four Seasons homes across the UK, many of whom are living with dementia. The Four Seasons Dementia Care Framework is our pioneering response to the challenge, showing the way forward with a radically different approach to the way dementia care is planned and delivered. The Four Seasons approach represents next-generation dementia care but it is certainly not for the privileged few. As our Dementia Care Framework is rolled out throughout the country, a new consistent standard of care is available to those living in our dementia units. The Dementia Care Framework heralds the shift from person-centred care to care based on the individual experience.
Four Seasons Dementia Care Framework has four components: Resident and Family Charters Colleague Support and Training Tracked Audit Accreditation Colleague Support and Training The Dementia Care Framework also encourages our teams to develop the fullest possible understanding of the condition. Charters Our resident-led care approach is reflected in our charters. We have developed a Resident Charter and a Family Charter which are, unusually, written in the first person. We operate a Whole Home approach to dementia care that goes beyond specialist training for home managers and unit leads. Everyone from The Leadership Team and senior managers to support staff including chefs, finance and IT people are encouraged to participate in a Dementia Experience which simulates the sensory, cognitive and emotional elements of living with dementia. This is helping to instil a new empathy within our entire organisation culture. These Charters were co-produced using over 400 comments and suggestions from current residents, family members, social care professionals and colleagues. They demonstrate our commitment to provide special resident experiences. 80% Family Charter I found the Dementia Experience extremely insightful. It s made me realise that you ve got to treat each individual as the person you know they are. of the support and training for colleagues working in our dementia units is carried out in person Resident Charter
The Dementia Care Framework - built around the individual experience of care. Observation Respect Audits Listening Trusting Engagement Assurance Stimulation Family Distress Reactions Memory Loss Caring Dedication Assessment Depression Expertise Empathy Happiness Companionship Hearing Sight Communication Dexterity Technology Support Activities Nutrition Mobility Anxiety Feedback Wellbeing
TRaCAd Our Thematic Resident and Care Audit for Dementia (TRaCAd) is evidence based and focused on the individual experience of care. Our fully tracked audit process is at the heart of the Dementia Care Framework, using brand new technology specially developed for the purpose by Four Seasons. The system replaces outdated (yet still widely used) paper-based audits with a complete, on-going digital picture of each resident s individual care experience. It always begins with the resident. The resident s input is recorded in the TRaCAd within two weeks of a new resident s arrival, or we use an observational tool where more appropriate. This information then forms the basis for our on-going individual review of that person s experience with us. Our Find and Fix approach supports our teams to focus on the individual experience of care to get it right. Feedback Questions Bed Rails Observation Tool Lap Belts Care Documentation DoLs Meaningful Activities Medication Rights Consent Capacity Pain All this personalised information is stored in the system and tracked in real time. Mobility Choking Risk End of Life Falls Weight Loss Communication Distress Reaction Continence Delirium Personal Risk Assessment Use of Sensor Equipment Psychological and Sleep Nutritional Needs Cognition Hygiene The picture we build of their experience goes far beyond basic care culture and conventional practicalities like dietary requirements, mobility and continence. It captures each individual resident s choices, preferences, wants and wishes and is uniquely linked to feedback which is consistently encouraged from residents, their family or visiting professionals using convenient ipad terminals we provide. All this information is immediately available to home managers and their teams, with the system automatically creating Linked Actions where required, which promotes an immediate Find and Fix approach. Skin/Tissue Integrity Pressure Ulcers Minor Wounds Recent Admission Sensory
Accreditation Four Seasons Dementia Care Framework is both transparent and accredited. Unlike paper files, the information within the TRaCAd is stored centrally and can be accessed in real time not only by the individual home but also by others within Four Seasons, enabling real and meaningful bed-to-board visibility. Only when a home is seen to comply with the Dementia Care Framework does it receive Four Seasons Accreditation for the quality of its dementia care. The Dementia Care Framework Accreditation checklist: All residents assessed using TRaCAd All actions completed All team training and support undertaken The physical environment has been assessed as appropriate for dementia care. An evidence-based approach. The Four Seasons Dementia Care Framework is built on 320 externally recognised standards, including NICE Guidelines and Alzheimer s Society best practice guidance, and applied to each individual resident s experience of care. Separate versions have been developed to recognise the different legislation and requirements across the UK. It is appropriate for requirements in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Automated risk assessments help our teams to get it right. For example, when considering the resident s nutritional status, the system automatically calculates BMI, when a resident s height and weight are entered, minimising the risk of human error to ensure the resident is on the correct care pathway. Another example is the way the system will check dosages in a resident s medication list, prompting a request for a GP review if any are outside expected parameters. There are many more instances of this silent support in the system, increasing our quality of care while also freeing up more time for our nurses and carers to spend with residents.
We work with local health and social care commissioners and others to find the right care and support solutions for people, their carers and families. Through a wide range of different care services and care pathways, we work with our commissioners and individuals and their families to plan for immediate, medium and long-term care solutions. Our Dementia Care Framework is the latest example of the way we continue to look at health care challenges differently. Harnessing the power of technology and finding ways to give all our residents consistently special experiences. A care approach so revolutionary, every commissioning professional needs to know about it. We are currently rolling out the Dementia Care Framework across the whole UK. To be kept updated and informed as Four Seasons Health Care homes become accredited in your area please go to www.carehomes.fshc.co.uk/dcf Email: dementiacare@fshc.co.uk Website: www.fshc.co.uk