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Bringing Dignity to Dementia Care

September 16, 2022

Caring for an elderly parent or relative can be stressful and emotionally distressing for anyone, especially when that loved one begins to show signs of dementia. Anthony Brincat, Head of Care at Simblija discusses common dementia symptoms and how holistic, person-centred care can improve the quality of life for those suffering from dementia.

Unless you’re a qualified professional, it is often difficult to determine between general signs of old age and actual dementia. First of all, it’s important to understand that dementia is not simply a natural process of ageing, nor does it necessarily run in the family. While dementia is not considered to be a disease in and of itself, it forms part of a collection of symptoms, which include Alzheimer’s, that result from damage to the brain. The symptoms will vary depending on which part of the brain has been damaged but will usually manifest in memory loss, personality changes, and sudden mood swings.

Other common signs of dementia include difficulty in concentrating and following conversations, difficulty in remembering certain words, difficulty in carrying out familiar daily tasks, and confusion in time and place. Typically, these symptoms start out relatively mild but will tend to become more severe over time.

Because dementia can have a drastic effect on the quality of life of the elderly, it’s crucial to reach out to a GP or medical professional as soon as you notice any legitimate signs that dementia is setting in. They will be able to determine whether someone can continue to live safely in their home as well as guide you on the best steps forward to ensure your loved one receives the right treatment and care for their needs.

At Simblija, we recognise that caring for a person with dementia requires a specialist understanding and approach. That’s why we have taken great consideration to introduce a range of measures and procedures within our home to safeguard all dementia patients entrusted in our care.

Prior to entering Simblija, all residents undergo a thorough evaluation by our medical team. This helps us to better understand their full symptoms to determine what level of care is required. At Simblija, we offer tailored and holistic care plans that are designed around our residents’ individual needs. As part of our multidisciplinary approach, we carry out regular checks on all residents throughout their stay with us. This enables us to adjust care plans according to immediate needs and recent health developments.

Our Butterfly Memory Support Unit has been specially designed with dementia care in mind. The ward provides a safe and welcoming environment for residents with brightly lit spaces and sensory interiors that stimulate memory and encourage independence. The ward’s one-floor layout is easy to navigate and provides residents with a safe space to gain confidence in their day-to-day routines.

We ensure that wayfinding is made simple and intuitive throughout the ward thanks to special signage, pictures, and labels that clearly point residents to where they want to go. While rooms feature easily identifiable pictures and contrasting colours, which are designed to guide residents to whatever they may need, be it clothing, crockery, or food. Each resident is encouraged to place personal memorabilia and precious keepsakes in a special box outside their room. This ensures they can create positive bonds and emotional touchpoints that inspire a stronger sense of self every day.

Our structured environment empowers all our memory-impaired residents to thrive, feel safe, and maintain a fulfilling and dignified lifestyle. We welcome anyone considering professional dementia care for their loved one to reach out to us. Our highly qualified team can provide guidance, support, and assistance to ease you through this delicate transition while keeping your loved one’s best interests at the forefront of all decisions.

For more information on specialist dementia care at Simblija, kindly contact us.

Other News

Simblija Care Home Invites You to a Heartwarming Morning of Friendship and Community

Join Us on Saturday 21st October for a Memorable Event in Naxxar To foster camaraderie and strengthen community bonds, Simblija Care Home is thrilled to announce its first event designed to build lasting friendships among its residents and the local community. On the morning of October 21st, 2023, Simblija Care Home, located on Triq il-Forga, Naxxar, warmly welcomes everyone to a delightful gathering from 9:30am till 12:30pm. The event ‘Start Friendships at Simblija’ promises a delightful morning filled with delectable treats and warm conversations. Simblija's talented kitchen team will be whipping up a selection of tea and sweet delights that are sure to tantalise your taste buds while bonding with new friends. At Simblija Care Home, we take immense pride in our dedicated and qualified team of caregivers, nurses, and support staff. This event offers a unique chance for attendees to meet and chat with our compassionate professionals who play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Getting to know the residents is at the core of this event. At Simblija, we also invite you to connect with the vibrant individuals who call this care home their abode. Share stories, experiences, and laughter with these wonderful residents, and you will find that friendships can bloom at any age. For those seeking a moment of spiritual reflection, we are also organising a special mass led by our Chaplain. It's a time to come together, find solace, and experience the sense of unity that transcends all boundaries. As you stroll through our premises, you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of stalls showcasing local crafts, handmade goods, and unique items. It is a chance to support local artisans and perhaps find a special keepsake to remember the day. At Simblija Care Home, we are excited to host this event and welcome everyone to be part of this heartwarming experience. To secure your spot at this special gathering and immerse yourself in the warmth and community spirit at Simblija Care Home, get in touch today by calling 2235 1000. Join us on October 21st, and let's celebrate the bonds that connect us all.

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How to Spot Signs of Dementia in a Loved One

It is very difficult to watch a loved one go through changes as they age, and it can be challenging to know when to seek help. As people get older, the risk of developing dementia increases. Dementia can be tricky to diagnose, as it shares some symptoms with normal ageing. However, there are some warning signs to look out for. Early intervention can help slow down the progression of the disease, making it essential to be aware of these signs. It's important to remember that the following patterns can prove distressing and alarming for your loved one, so it's crucial to approach them with compassion and understanding. Persistent Change in Behaviour: If you notice a persistent change in your loved one's behaviour, it could be a sign of dementia. They may seem more forgetful, confused, or struggle to complete familiar tasks. Memory Loss: Memory loss is one of the most common signs of dementia. Your loved one may forget recent events, names, and faces. They may also struggle to find the right words to express themselves. Difficulty in Learning New Things: Dementia can make it challenging for your loved one to learn new routines, skills, or adapt to changes in their environment. Financial Management: Dementia can affect a person's ability to manage their finances. Your loved one may forget to pay bills, make inappropriate purchases, or struggle to manage their bank account. Losing Track of Time: Your loved one may forget what day it is or what time it is. They may also forget appointments or important events. It can be helpful to create a daily schedule for your loved one to help them stay on track. Loss of Interest in Activities: Dementia can cause a person to lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. Your loved one may stop participating in hobbies or social events they used to enjoy. They may also withdraw from social interactions and become more isolated. Repeating Themselves: Your loved one may tell the same stories or ask the same questions over and over again. If you think you have spotted signs of dementia in a loved one, there are several proactive steps you can take. Firstly, you can document and share these patterns with a doctor. Keeping a record and tracking signs can help to provide a clearer picture of the progression of the disease. It is important to find professional help after noticing early symptoms of dementia. Find the right doctor who specialises in dementia care and communicate your observations in detail. Preparing for a diagnosis can involve reviewing their medical history, physical or mental exams, lab tests, and brain imaging. It's important to continue to observe and track the symptoms to help you and the medical professionals determine the best care and treatment for your loved one. As difficult as it may be to accept, planning for the future is essential. Seeking professional residential care can be a challenging conversation, but it's important to approach it with kindness and empathy. Your loved one may feel scared or vulnerable, so it’s essential that they recognise that you have their best interests at heart.   Learn more about the compassionate and comprehensive care we offer to individuals living with dementia at Simblija Care Home. Our team is here to support you and your loved one through this challenging time, and we are committed to providing the highest quality care possible.

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5 Ideas for Simblija Residents to Make Their Room Feel More Homely

At Simblija Care Home, we understand that moving into a care home can be a difficult transition for anyone, especially when you’re moving out of your own home where you’ve been surrounded by your own possessions, belongings, and memories collected over many, many years. Our highly qualified team do their utmost to help residents settle in and feel at home from the very start of their journey with us. We take great care to design rooms which feel warm and welcoming, and which offer the finest amenities, including comfortable armchairs, spacious wardrobes, dressing tables, flat-screen TVs, private telephones, and more. We also equip each room with plenty of safety features so that residents feel secure in an environment that encourages their independence. That said, at Simblija, we recognise the importance for residents to personalise their rooms to make their surroundings feel more homely and suited to their unique identity. Adding personal touches and flourishes to a room can bring great comfort to residents and ease them into a new way of life. So, if a resident needs some inspiration to better personalise their room, here are some helpful ideas to get them started. 1 – Decorate your room with photos & pictures Putting up personal photos and pictures is a great first step to make any room feel more homely. Being surrounded by favourite memories, whether it’s a wedding, Christening, or a treasured holiday, encourages residents to keep their most precious memories alive and fosters a sense of closeness to the people who are most important to them. Pictures are also a great talking point, which can help residents build meaningful connections with members of staff, visitors, and fellow residents who stop by their rooms. 2 – The importance of smells & sound Familiar smells and sounds can also go a long way in helping residents personalise their room. In fact, many studies have found that odours are strongly linked to a sense of homeliness and can conjure up vivid memories. For this reason, we encourage residents to replicate the smell of their home through items such as scented candles, favourite fresh flowers, or essential oils. Likewise, sound and music also play an important role in offering comfort and can soften the transition into a new environment. Bringing along a treasured music collection, which residents can listen to whenever they wish, can trigger happy feelings and really help residents feel more at peace within their new home. 3 - Bring items of sentimental value Whether it’s a family heirloom or a special keepsake of emotional value, certain personal items can create a real sense of home within a room. Memory plays a significant part in the value of such items, which are often linked with special moments among family and loved ones and speak to that person’s history and identity. Placing such belongings, which can range from ornaments to small trinkets like a piece of jewellery, within easy reach around the room will add an authentic personal touch that really sparks happiness and comfort. 4 - Furniture from home creates a familiar environment Adding certain pieces of furniture or soft furnishings from home, such as a favourite armchair or cushion, is another great way to personalise a room and make it feel warmer and more familiar. Due to several health and safety issues, permission must always be requested from the Simblija care team when residents are considering bringing larger items of furniture to the home or wish to make amendments to the room, such as hanging a picture on the wall. 5 – Create new memories with familiar faces Key to making any new environment feel like home is to create new memories in it. That’s why, we greatly encourage family and friends to visit residents as much as possible, so that they can better associate their room with the people they care about the most. What’s more, at Simblija we have taken great care to provide an assortment of activities for everyone to enjoy right on the premises. Whether it’s enjoying a delicious lunch together at The Orchard restaurant, attending mass as a family at our chapel, or combining a visit with a relative with a Pilates class at Revive, there are many fantastic options to make the most of your time visiting your loved one at Simblija Care Home. Get in touch today to book your 1-to-1 visit and learn more about life at Simblija!

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Experience Peace of Mind with Simblija Care Home’s Summer Offer

Set in a serene location in Naxxar, Simblija Care Home is the perfect place that combines compassionate care, delicious dining, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant activities calendar to ensure our residents' utmost wellbeing and enjoyment. At the heart of Simblija lies our care teams’ dedication to providing a high level of care that surpasses expectations. Our trained and compassionate caregivers are always ready to offer personalised attention and support, ensuring every resident's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Simblija takes pride in their ability to create a warm and nurturing environment, where residents are treated with respect and dignity. With an in-house kitchen led by talented chefs, our residents are treated to a gastronomic journey that delights the senses. Each meal is carefully prepared, considering dietary preferences and nutritional requirements, resulting in a menu that caters to diverse palates and dietary needs. From mouth-watering entrees to decadent desserts, residents can savour the finest flavours while enjoying the company of fellow residents in a cosy and inviting dining setting. In addition to their outstanding care and exquisite dining, our premises boast state-of-the-art facilities that ensure residents' comfort and convenience. Every aspect of Simblija Care Home's architecture and amenities has been thoughtfully considered, from well-appointed private rooms to communal spaces designed for relaxation and socialising. Our commitment to creating an environment that fosters well-being is further exemplified by our beautiful gardens, providing residents with opportunities for peaceful strolls and moments of tranquillity. At Simblija, we recognise the importance of an engaging and vibrant lifestyle, and our activities calendar reflects this commitment. Regular outings and activities are organised to ensure residents have opportunities to explore the surrounding area and create lasting memories. As summer arrives, we are excited to introduce an exclusive offer that combines exceptional care with enticing savings. For a limited time, individuals can take advantage of discounts on dependent respite and long-term care plans, enjoying up to 10 free days of compassionate care, culinary delights, and vibrant activities at Simblija. This offer is exclusively available during the summer months, spanning from June to August and allows families to secure their loved ones' care while enjoying the benefits of this outstanding facility. It is important to note that this offer is subject to availability, so early reservations are highly encouraged. The offer is applicable to dependent respite and care plans 2B to 3B, with a limited number of beds allocated for this promotion. We invite families to embrace this opportunity and provide their loved ones with an unforgettable experience filled with exceptional care, delightful dining, modern facilities, and a rich calendar of engaging activities. Book your 1-to-1 viewing today!

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Simblija Care Home’s Promise to Our Residents

At Simblija, we treat you and your loved ones like we would our own families. That’s why we promise the highest standard of care, a beautiful and safe home-like environment, and a fulfilling lifestyle for each resident who forms part of our community. Trust is the foundation of everything we do. Our care team takes the time to get to know our residents personally and provide personalised journeys so that they live with dignity and respect, which is why residents have the bond that they do with our care team. By delivering our services in a reliable and dependable way, we hope to provide peace of mind and reassurance that your loved one is being taken care of in a community that truly cares. Exclusively private care homes, such as Simblja Care Home, provide a holistic solution for when an elderly person requires personalised care that goes beyond what is typically available through a hospital or public health system. By employing a highly specialised team of healthcare professionals, we offer individualised care plans that focus on both physical and non-physical needs of your loved ones, taking into consideration everything from dietary requirements, medication plans, as well as the levels of hands-on help required for everyday activities, such as housekeeping and bathroom assistance. Our caregivers are on hand around the clock, whether it’s for regular medical checks or in case of an emergency, while a team of dedicated security guards provides the highest levels of safety 24/7. Over and above providing physical care, private care homes are also better equipped to see to the residents’ physical and psychosocial needs. With a variety of room types available, there are more options for residents to maintain their space and privacy, which consequently helps them settle into the residence and feel more at home. This is what sets us apart from other care homes; apart from attributing value to providing the best physical and emotional care, we also give our residents a holistic experience unlike any other. Whether it’s a friendly hello, taking the time to get to know our residents on a personal level, or listening to their concerns and worries, we’ve made it our mission to make life at Simblija a welcoming experience, every step of the way. Nothing fills us with a greater sense of joy than seeing our residents steadily making the Simblija community their own.

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Quality Respite Care at Simblija

Everyone deserves some well-earned rest around Christmas. Whilst caring for an elderly family member is an incredibly rewarding experience, it’s also a demanding responsibility to carry on your shoulders, day in, day out. Working as a caregiver for too long without a break can lead to burnout, putting you at risk for physical and mental health issues. That’s why, every now and then, it’s essential to take some time for yourself to look after your own wellbeing and recharge. And with Christmas just around the corner, there’s no better time to set aside a few days to do just this. Naturally, before you can even begin to make any plans, you’ll want to know that your loved one will be well taken care of while you’re away. And that’s where we come in. Our respite care service at Simblija Care Home is there to cover you in this time of need. We offer total peace of mind so that you’re free to enjoy the holidays just as you wish, knowing your loved one is in an excellent pair of hands. Our short-term respite care packages offer plenty of flexibility and are designed to welcome elderly guests into our community, providing them with a comfortable environment that e­­nables them to stick to their usual care routine. Our team is composed of highly qualified care professionals who are experienced in dealing with a vast range of care needs, including chronic illnesses and dementia. We’ll see that all your loved one’s medication and treatment needs are a top priority throughout their stay with us. Over and above the quality care on offer, we provide a truly welcoming community atmosphere at Simblija, one that enables new guests among us to feel immediately at home. What’s more, during the holiday season we are also organising our Christmas Extravaganza in the Village. All our residents can look forward to a fun-filled events programme jam-packed with entertainment and activities that will light up the entire home. It’s set to be a magical experience, with something for everyone, that will delight all our residents throughout the holidays. We also recognise that the spiritual element plays an especially important role around Christmas for many of our residents and guests. That’s why our Chaplain Fr Julian Cassar will be celebrating a series of special animated masses over the holidays, including a Christmas Day mass, at our Water Chapel. It’s a truly beautiful setting for members of our community to gather to celebrate the holiness of the festive season. All in all, your loved ones can look forward to an unforgettable stay at Simblija Care Home filled with friendship, warmth, quality care, great food, and good cheer. We are here to put your mind at ease so that you too can get some well-earned rest. To enquire about Simblija Care Home’s respite packages for this Christmas season kindly contact us at 2235 1000 or via email at [email protected].

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Triq il-Forġa, in-Naxxar, Malta +356 2235 1000
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