In dementia care, traditional metrics, such as falls, incidents or medication use, only tell part of the story. While these remain important, a growing number of care home leaders attending the Care Forum are now asking: how can we better measure quality of life, emotional wellbeing, and engagement for people living with dementia?
This shift reflects a deeper understanding of person-centred care. Dementia care is not just clinical, it’s relational, emotional, and sensory. As such, providers are moving towards more holistic outcome measures, often using observational tools and resident-centred feedback to assess the impact of their approach.
One widely used method is the Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) framework, developed by the University of Bradford. This involves trained staff observing residents’ behaviour and mood over time, generating insights into how care practices or environmental changes affect wellbeing. While resource-intensive, it can uncover patterns that standard audits may miss.
Other homes are using tools such as the ‘This is Me’ profile and regular Life Story reviews to shape care plans and track how well a resident’s personal interests and preferences are reflected in daily life. These approaches emphasise not only the outcomes, but the experience of care.
Technology also plays a role. Some providers are adopting digital platforms to record and monitor engagement in activities, social interaction levels, or changes in mood and appetite. This data can help inform more responsive care and family communications, while also providing evidence for inspections and quality assurance.
Importantly, staff feedback and training are key enablers. When carers are empowered to observe, reflect and adapt care based on resident behaviour, not just policy, they can deliver more meaningful support. Training in communication, sensory awareness, and trauma-informed care helps deepen this understanding.
By broadening the lens on what constitutes a ‘positive outcome’ in dementia care, care homes can move towards more compassionate, individualised support that puts wellbeing, not just risk, at the centre. In doing so, they not only meet rising expectations from regulators and families but deliver the kind of care every person deserves.
Are you searching for Dementia Care solutions for your organisation? The Care Forum can help!
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