How Person-Centred Dementia Care Transformed Mrs Z’s Wellbeing

Mrs Z first contacted Right at Home Central London when her family noticed she was struggling to maintain her personal hygiene and social connections due to advancing dementia. 

Initially, her family were unsure where to turn for the kind of supportive care Mrs. Z needed. After exploring various options, they found Right at Home Central London. We offer more than just basic care, and this is what brought us to the attention of Mrs. Z’s family. We emphasise companionship and independence in our homecare so that Clients feel comfortable and in control. Our minimum duration of one hour for each visit allows our CareGivers to provide thorough, dignified support and build genuine connections and social interaction—something we know can have a considerable positive impact on the well-being of those living with dementia.

Why her family chose Right at Home Central London

From the outset, it was clear that Mrs Z found receiving personal care challenging, particularly when it came to the loss of control when performing routine tasks such as undressing. This in turn affected her familial relationships. Mrs Z’s family struggled to understand her mindset. When they spoke to her about their concerns she would often reply, “Okay, I will do it later,” yet she rarely followed through. 

Creating a Personalised Care Plan with Mrs Z

Our team spent significant time finding out more about Mrs. Z and understanding her background and personal preferences. She was once a language teacher, a passionate family matriarch, and an avid conversationalist. Working in partnership with Mrs Z and her family, we devised a tailored care plan that respected her dignity and encouraged her independence. Our CareGivers used gentle prompts and positive engagement to help her gradually adjust. 

Over the course of several weeks, we saw a huge difference. Mrs. Z progressed from hesitating to bathe at all to taking part in showering herself, often humming or singing while holding the showerhead.

Positive Changes in Daily Life

Our support went beyond daily personal care, and Mrs Z experienced improved well-being and quality of life in many ways. She regularly attended our memory café, where she thrived in a social environment. She chatted with other attendees, participated in musical performances, and created crafts to bring home and share with her loved ones. This gave her a sense of purpose and pride and provided her family with much-needed reassurance. 

Studies have found that consistent companionship and stimulating activities can significantly enhance the well-being of those living with dementia. According to Alzheimer’s Society, taking part in activities can have powerful benefits for the wellbeing of a person with dementia. Activities, such as the craft workshops and music performances that Mrs Z took part in, can help them stay healthy, active, and independent. It can help them express their feelings, retain their skills and self-esteem, and stay motivated. It also gives an opportunity for the CareGiver and Client to connect with each other, as companionship is key to maintaining the wellbeing of those living with dementia.

The Impact of Social Interaction on Well-being

The link between companionship, a person-centred care approach, and wellbeing in individuals with dementia is well documented. A large-scale trial involving Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust found that the quality of life and wellbeing of care home residents living with dementia improved when they were included in decisions relating to their own care and had social interaction of at least one hour per week, with conversation centred around their own interests. Over the course of this study, taking this person-centred approach to dementia care was also found to reduce agitation and aggression. 

Mrs Z’s experience has certainly reflected these findings, as we have seen a transformation in her quality of life, wellbeing, and confidence. 

Lasting Impact on Mrs Z and Her Family

We also saw a remarkable improvement in her overall health. With better personal hygiene and regular check-ins, the risk of urinary tract infections and skin issues has significantly decreased. Her family members are relieved to see her enjoying life again.

One of her daughters remarked, “We never imagined that Mum could regain so much confidence. Right at Home Central London has truly made a difference.”

What This Means for Our Team

For our team, witnessing Mrs Z’s progress has been profoundly motivating. It reinforces our commitment to high-quality, person-centred care. We have implemented further staff training sessions, drawing on Mrs Z’s case to illustrate how a respectful, collaborative approach can transform a Client’s wellbeing. 

At Right at Home Central London, we tailor your homecare to your individual circumstances and work together with you and your family to create your personalised care plan. Our CareGivers are checked with enhanced DBS and benefit from continuous professional development. They are passionate about delivering the best possible care, reflecting our overall mission: to help people remain safe and happy in their own homes.