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Dementia Care in Archer Bechkenham Care Home
Our Approach
At Archer Beckenham TUI Memory Support, we focus on supporting each person’s memory, wellbeing, and sense of self through a holistic, person‑centred model of care. This philosophy shapes everything we do in our TUI Memory Support neighbourhood at Beckenham.
“People with dementia often live in a parallel universe — one that shares our time and space, but operates with different rules and values. Our role is to recognise and respect that world, and to find common ground for meaningful care.”
Adapted from Dementia Beyond Drugs by G. Allen Power, a leading Eden Alternative GP advocating for culture change in dementia care.
Understanding Dementia
A common misconception is that dementia is just a normal part of ageing. While around 25% of people over 80 will experience dementia, that still means 75% will not. Dementia is not an inevitable part of growing older.
Dementia involves a decline in thinking skills, such as short‑term memory, word‑finding, understanding ideas, or following a story. These changes often lead to practical difficulties like managing finances, driving, or navigating familiar places.
As dementia progresses, everyday tasks such as dressing and personal care can also become challenging. Behavioural changes can occur too, including agitation, wandering, or aggression. In advanced stages, a person becomes fully dependent on others for care.
One of the most frequent questions we hear is: What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is one type of dementia, the most common type, caused by the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, along with the build‑up of abnormal proteins (amyloid plaques) and twisted fibres (neurofibrillary tangles).
Other forms of dementia include:
- Vascular dementia (often caused by small strokes)
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Alcohol‑related dementia
- Dementia resulting from head injuries or other trauma
Normal Ageing vs Early Signs of Dementia
Forgetfulness is a normal part of ageing , we all have “senior moments.” But some signs may suggest something more is going on:
- Memory loss that gradually gets worse
- Other people notice changes
- Difficulties beyond memory, such as losing words, struggling to follow conversations, or finding it hard to understand concepts
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Changes that impact daily life and continue to progress
If these signs sound familiar, it’s a good idea to seek an assessment. Start with your GP, bring a written list of concerns and a support person if you can.
A helpful, practical resource is Dementia Canterbury’s guide, “Getting Diagnosed”
Frequently Asked Questions
Archer’s approach to dementia care is to support memory using an holistic approach to care and well-being, delivered within the Archer Beckenham Memory Support Neighbourhood.
Not necessarily. While around 25% of people over 80 will develop dementia, this still leaves 75% that will not develop dementia.
Dementia is a loss of thinking (cognitive) abilities, for example short-term memory, finding words, understanding concepts, following a story, or becoming lost in familiar places. It’s also linked with functional losses, which can progress from complex tasks (like finances or driving) to basic daily activities (like dressing or washing).
As dementia progresses, some people may experience behavioural changes such as agitation, aggression, or wandering. In the later stages, a person can become totally dependent on others for care.
Alzheimer’s disease is one type of dementia. There are more than 100 types of dementia.
Other common types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, alcoholic dementia, and dementia following trauma such as a head injury.
Normal ageing can include mild changes, but early dementia is more likely when changes are progressively worsening, noticed by other people, and affect more than just memory—such as losing words, struggling to follow a story, difficulty grasping concepts, or getting lost in familiar places.
You should seek an assessment if changes are progressive, affect multiple areas, and begin to interfere with daily life. A good first step is a GP appointment, take a written list of concerns and, if possible, bring someone who knows you well.
Dementia Canterbury’s “Getting diagnosed” resource, is a good place to start.
Start by exploring the support and practical guides linked on our Dementia Care Resources page. Dementia Canterbury offers free support services and helpful information (including guidance on getting a diagnosis and understanding dementia), and Alzheimers New Zealand provides information, education, booklets/factsheets, and support for family, friends and whānau. You can also contact Archer if you’d like to talk through care options.
