Effective Dementia Care: Positive Behaviour Support Strategies
How Barkuma’s Positive Behaviour Support Makes a Difference
Barkuma’s Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plays a key role in enhancing the lives of people with dementia. Barkuma also applies an evidence-based approach to dementia care, particularly in cases of early-onset dementia. Amanda Wood, Manager of PBS & Specialist Services at Barkuma, provides valuable insights into how the organisation tailors PBS to meet the unique needs of people with dementia and their families.
Understanding Positive Behaviour Support in Dementia Care
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) aims to improve an individual’s quality of life by understanding their behaviour within the context of their environment, personal history and the people around them. For people with dementia, particularly those with early-onset dementia, the journey can be rapid and challenging for both the individual and their family.
One key goal of PBS is to reduce and eliminate restrictive practices, such as locking doors to keep individuals safe. As Amanda explained, “We often conduct restrictive practice (RP) audits to ensure we’re safeguarding individuals while minimising unnecessary restrictions. This is done in collaboration with the person, their family or a guardian, all while ensuring their dignity and preferences are respected.”
The PBS process involves a functional behaviour assessment, interviews, observations and data collection. For people with dementia, this can mean developing individualised strategies that evolve alongside the progression of their condition. “Our support is highly responsive because early-onset dementia often leads to a rapid decline. We work closely with families to constantly reassess and modify plans as needed,” Amanda noted.
Life Story Work: A Foundation for Personalised Care
Barkuma acknowledges the value of life story work alongside PBS. When first engaging with a person with dementia, Barkuma gathers as much information as possible about their personal history – favourite music, hobbies, family traditions and more. This information serves as a foundation for providing care that aligns with the person’s identity.
Amanda shared a touching example of how this approach works in practice: “We had a client who experienced sundowning, a common phenomenon in dementia where confusion and agitation worsen in the late afternoon. By playing the client’s favourite music from their younger years, they were able to regulate. They even got up, danced and sang along to the music. It was a beautiful moment that showed how deeply person-centred care can make a difference.”
Music, in particular, is a powerful tool for dementia care. As long-term memories often remain intact, familiar music can evoke positive emotions and help individuals reconnect with their surroundings.
Collaborating with Families and Care Teams
Caring for a person with dementia involves more than just the individual – it requires supporting their entire network. At Barkuma, the PBS team works closely with family members, including adult children and partners, to create person-centred plans that are adaptable as dementia progresses.
“We recognise the emotional toll that dementia takes on families,” Amanda explained. “Adult children often face what we call ‘ambiguous loss,’ where their loved one is physically present but not the same person they once knew. We try to be as empathetic and supportive as possible during this difficult time.”
In addition to supporting families, Barkuma collaborates with care providers, whether it’s in-home support teams or staff in residential care settings. As dementia advances, care needs change, and Barkuma remains involved throughout the transitions.
“Even when someone moves to a nursing home, we continue to provide PBS, working alongside the new care team to ensure a seamless and personalised support experience,” Amanda said.
The Benefits of Positive Behaviour Support for People with Dementia
PBS offers several significant benefits for people with dementia. By implementing structured and consistent routines for activities like meals, medication and hygiene, PBS can help reduce anxiety and agitation.
In cases where personal care becomes distressing for the individual, Barkuma works with care teams to address sensory issues and develop strategies that ease the process.
At its core, Barkuma’s Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) fosters a sense of dignity and connection for people with dementia by going beyond traditional care methods.
Through life story work, collaboration with families and the use of meaningful activities, Barkuma ensures that individuals maintain a quality of life that reflects their personal history and preferences, even as their cognitive abilities decline.
This adaptable, empathetic, and person-centred approach not only enhances the individual’s life but also offers invaluable support to families, helping them navigate the emotional challenges that come alongside living with dementia.