Modelled on Alzheimer's Society's 'This is Me' tool 

How many people in the UK are living with dementia in care homes? 

The NHS has recently released detailed information regarding the dementia diagnosis rate (DDR) across the UK. Their findings indicate a gradual increase in diagnosis and referral rates to memory assessment services (MAS).  

Furthermore, it is now estimated that 70 per cent of people in care homes have dementia or severe memory problems, according to the Alzheimer's Society. 

As dementia care in residential care settings becomes increasingly important as diagnoses rise, our 'Who I Am' feature, the latest technology driving quality of life in dementia care (embedded within our digital social care record system, mCare), has proven to be a valuable asset to care homes across the UK. 

Why are personalised routines essential for those living with dementia? 

Most individuals adhere to a routine that includes various daily activities and tasks. This could be a morning routine, such as waking up, getting dressed, tending to pets' needs, and finally settling down to enjoy a morning cup of coffee. For others, it could involve taking a leisurely walk after a hectic day at work or making a phone call to a close friend or family member. 

We have routines because they bring a calming effect, contributing a sense of structure to the day.  

However, routines hold even greater significance for those living with dementia.  

In a world that can often seem confusing and, at times, overwhelming, having a familiar routine provides a sense of stability and predictability in their daily lives. This helps reduce anxiety and confusion, makes them feel more secure and comfortable, and makes each day more manageable. 

What do care providers think about the 'Who I Am' feature? 

Due to its numerous benefits, the "Who I Am" feature has been widely praised by individuals across the social care sector.  

''Over the past eight years, mCare has played a crucial role in streamlining our care services and helping our care team deliver better care, including dementia care. mCare has numerous features and integrations to enhance the quality of dementia care we offer.  

For example, mCare's 'Who I Am' feature, modelled on Alzheimer's Society's 'This is Me' tool, includes several important aspects, such as the resident's routines, things that are important to them, their likes and dislikes, how to best support them, their life story, and their wishes for the future.

It also includes information on what makes a resident feel better if they are upset or anxious. It's been a great help''.  

Caroline Inch, the director of care and operations and a specialist in dementia care at B&M Care 

Read the full success story here! 

The manager of a care home in Sussex also shared a specific example of how the feature proved invaluable. According to the manager, a carer at the home was able to use the "Who I Am" feature to gain insight into a resident's preferences and needs.

When the resident became anxious and upset, the carer referred to the "Who I Am" feature and learned that reading a prayer would help soothe them. This personalised knowledge empowered the carer to provide tailored support, resulting in a positive and reassuring outcome for the resident. 

Similarly, a care home in North Somerset said that when a resident had to make a trip to the hospital, staff were able to provide personalised care and support. Following the resident's hospitalisation, a nurse from the hospital contacted the care home to express that the information provided by the care home staff was the best she had ever seen. 

Other benefits 

Additionally, the feature supports the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's (NICE) guidelines on dementia care and helps care providers comply with CQC's Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs), notably: