Care considerations for dementia in people with Down's syndrome: a management perspective

Dementia is common in people with Down's syndrome as they age. Having dementia raises huge care considerations for carers and staff. Excellence in care requires attention to a wide variety of interrelated issues. Carers and staff need to have a good understanding of what it means to have dementia to deliver person-centered care. In addition, they need to be clear at all stages of the disease about the outcomes they want to achieve for the person. This will necessitate taking into account both health and social care issues, as well as looking at the physical environment. Staffing and staff training are crucial in providing the right support at the right time. Finally, a vignette of excellence in care is presented.