First aged care provider to launch GEMS

BlueCross has launched a new dementia care model to meet the needs of residents living with dementia.

GEMS focuses on a person’s remaining abilities

Robert Putamorsi Chief Executive Officer

With 472,000 people living with dementia in Australia and more than 68 per cent of people living in residential aged care having significant to moderate dementia, the time is right to grow an evidence-based dementia model at BlueCross, according to Bridget Howes, General Manager Model of Care.

“We are pleased to introduce The GEMS Brain Change Model which provides an opportunity to connect with the person using positive physical approaches tailored to the current state of the individual’s dementia and this promotes communication and wellbeing,” said Bridget, who is responsible for introducing innovative dementia care approaches at BlueCross.

“The only constant with dementia or brains in general, is that they are ever-changing. All humans experience brain change every day,” she said.

“The GEMS Model is developed by Teepa Snow based on the Allen Cognitive Scale, which recognises the shifts in skills and abilities in any given moment. With dementia, while the progression, pattern and changes may look very different for each type of dementia, the movement through the GEMS is somewhat predictable. This model promotes an understanding of remaining abilities at each step of a person’s journey.”

BlueCross is the first aged care provider in Australia to partner with Teepa Snow to implement this model which has been launched at two BlueCross aged care residences – the Memory Support Environment at BlueCross Box Hill and across the whole of BlueCross Chelsea Manor.

Working closely with Teepa Snow, all staff undertake online awareness education and selected staff are also trained as Champions to lead implementation and work with other team members.

What the Living GEMS mean

SAPPHIRE (True Blue): Optimal Cognition, Healthy Brain

AMBER (Caught in a Moment of Time): Caution Required

DIAMOND (Clear and Sharp): Routines and Rituals Rule

RUBY (Deep and Strong in Colour): Others Stop Seeing What is Possible

EMERALD (Green and on the Go with a Purpose): Naturally Flawed

PEARL (Hidden Within a Shell): Beautiful Moments to Behold

For more details, go to: teepasnow.com/blog/6-gemsyou-need-to-know-for-a-positiveapproach-to-dementia-care/