Peach Philosophy

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DCP’s P.E.A.C.H. Philosophy

We have learned invaluable lessons from observations, working with and listening to clients and carers.

When one of our first, long supported clients died, in her home and sitting in her favourite chair, we remembered the three questions she taught us to ask ourselves when faced with a decision to recommend residential care for some one:

Is this the right decision for this person at this point in time?
Have you tried every alternative available or possible?
Would this decision be the same if it were your own mother/father or a loved one?

Our work with this lady, and others like her taught us that:

people with dementia are individuals whose needs are no different to anyone else and should be enabled to take their rightful place in society.
where there are concerns about risks, the focus should be on removing the risks and not the person.
it is important that we understand the reasons behind the behaviour. Dementia affects people differently and sometimes their behaviour problems are their natural response to fear, threats and losses in their lives.
it is about not categorising people into boxes such as social care or nursing care.
it is not about following a medical model which emphasises the progressive nature of the illness with the 3 D’s – Deterioration, Difficult behaviour and Dependency. But adopting a psycho social model - which sees people with dementia as unique individuals with needs no different from us.
we need to create a dialogue based on compromise and negotiations.

Out of these lessons evolved our P.E.A.C.H philosophy.

P Person-led

Valuing the person and respecting their contribution underpins DCP’s person-led practice. It starts with a premise that people experiencing dementia or other mental health problems, in most situations, do not want others to take over or decide what is best for them. It emphasises their right to take their place in society as any other citizen and recognises that irrespective of illness or disability they have the potential and ability to take the lead in all aspects of their life thus preserving their identity.

E Empowerment – is about enabling people with dementia and their carers to retain control over their lives, recognising that in the process of empowering the clients and carers, professionals must be prepared to be disempowered.

A Attachment is a basic human need, where a sense of security is gained through the presence of a trusted person or the familiarity of a place. Attachment can develop with a trusted person such as a support worker, or to a place such as a supported house, enabling a sensitive and gradual partnership of care and support.

C Continuity - To remember the importance of continuity with one’s history, routines and lifestyles on health and wellbeing. Similarly, the continuity of care and support provided by a small team of support workers, (wherever possible, from the same locality) thus offering familiarity, security and a sense of belonging.

H Hope to continue their lives as active, valued, respected and participating members of their own communities and neighbourhoods.

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