Published
5 July 2024
Category
Dementia / Community Engagement
client
Mrs Mavis Dalrymple – Dundee
Mavis Dalrymple
01. The Challenge & Solution
ODiagnosed with moderate Alzheimer’s, Mrs Dalrymple became withdrawn and suspicious of unfamiliar carers. Bondage Valley initiated a Light-Touch Domiciliary-Care plan but with the same dementia-trained carer, Fiona, attending all visits for the first month to build rapport.
“Fiona knew just when to sing Mum’s favourite wartime songs to settle her nerves.”
— Stewart Dalrymple (son)
02. Working Process
Reminiscence toolkit – photo albums and BBC Sounds archive used during personal care.
Consistent scent – carer wore lavender-scented hand cream each visit as a recognition cue.
Identification of ‘sundowning’ triggers; PM visits moved 30 minutes earlier.
GPS-enabled kettle sensor alerted family if the kettle wasn’t used by 10 a.m.
03. Perfect Result
Verbal aggression incidents fell from 7 per week to 1.
Weight stabilised (previously −3 kg in two months).
Mini-Cog test maintained at 14/30 for six months—no further decline recorded.