How dementia affects a person
As part of The Way We Care, our staff are trained to spot the ways dementia may affect a person, and how to offer support
At Pilgrims’ Friend Society, we combine best practice in the field of dementia care with the spiritual understanding that those living with dementia can enjoy a happy and fulfilled life. All our homes are registered with the Care Quality Commission for the provision of dementia care.
While The Way We Care is about our approach to care in general, it has a significant impact on how we support those living with dementia.
Our approach to dementia care is founded on academic work begun by Professor Tom Kitwood which emphasises the importance of the emotional intelligence and connection of those doing the caring. This was developed by Dr David Sheard into the “Feelings Matter Most” framework. In caring for those with dementia, we use the GEMS model developed by Teepa Snow.
Our approach looks past a person’s immediate physical needs to their essence and spirit, and we seek to form connections with them. We believe that a person living with dementia can continue to have a living relationship with God and support them in this spiritual journey.
Our Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are members of staff specifically employed by the homes to spend time and connect with those living with dementia.
The name Hummingbird is inspired by how a hummingbird flits from flower to flower. Our Hummingbirds move from person to person, providing short, meaningful connections. They are trained to recognise the various stages of dementia, understanding the best ways to approach individuals, respecting their current reality and connecting with them accordingly. The dedicated approach means that no one goes long without an interaction, with Hummingbirds employed for six hours a day, seven days a week.
The kinds of interactions a Hummingbird might provide include:
- general conversation, promoting a warm, cheerful atmosphere
- soothing and distracting those who are anxious
- using memory prompts, such as a dementia tactile rug, to help those dementia connect with their past
- praying and reading the Bible
- small acts of kindness, like brushing hair
Dementia support - useful organisations
A round-up of organisations that can help
More from Pilgrims' Friend Society about dementia
Meet a Hummingbird, Sonya at Luff House
When former teacher Sonya, now 61, saw the role of Hummingbird at Luff House advertised online, she was moved to tears and couldn’t sleep until she had applied
Dementia Information Pack
A series of leaflets on different aspects of dementia, including diagnosis, caring, managing challenging behaviour, caring for the caregiver, and much more....
Worshipping With Dementia
For people with dementia, simplicity is paramount. These simple daily devotions are designed for use by caregivers, dementia sufferers, families, church groups, and medical professionals.