Respect and care for others: at the heart of all our work

At Highlands Borders , our aim is to provide our residents with high quality, person-centred care. Our approach aims to see residents with dementia as individuals, rather than focusing on their illness or lost abilities. We take into account each individual’s unique qualities, abilities, interests, preferences and needs. And our main priority is treating residents with dignity and respect. Each resident with dementia has their own individual care plan, which summarises how staff can encourage and maintain the unique strengths of the person with dementia while meeting his or her needs for support. This plan is reviewed at regular intervals.

Staff at all levels have received training in how to care for people with dementia and have received a Dementia Care Level 2 qualification. This enables them to understand the difficulties in communication that a person with dementia may face, and to help them express their wishes and needs.

At Highlands Borders, the personal dignity and privacy of all our residents are respected at all times. We understand that people don’t lose their right to take part in decisions about their lives just because they have dementia, or because they have moved into a care home. Our residents are included in plans and decisions about their care, and helped and supported to make choices. Whether it is choosing food, clothes or activities, their likes and dislikes should be taken into account fully. We also see relatives and close friends as playing an important role in complementing the support and care offered by the home.

Residents with dementia are encouraged and supported in maintaining independence within their capabilities and our staff are dedicated to helping residents maintain existing interests.The care team also create opportunities for residents to spend time together and get to know each other through a wide variety of social opportunities.

We also encourage residents to bring in some of their own furniture and possessions to aid their transition to a new environment and maintain a sense of familiarity, which is particularly important for residents with dementia.

Residents with dementia are also encouraged to maintain relationships with people outside the care home. Just because a person has entered a care environment, this should not mean the end of many of the familiar routines that have helped shape their day.

Our staff ensure that residents are able to spend time outdoors. Regular exercise, fresh air and natural light are important for a person’s well being. We encourage residents to be active and do things that give them pleasure.

At Highlands Borders there is always a member of staff available to talk to the person with dementia, their friends or relatives about any worries they have. Our staff is supported at all times by the care home manager.