The Triangle of Care: Carers included: A guide to best practice for dementia care

The Triangle of Care describes a therapeutic relationship between the person with dementia (patient), staff member and carer that promotes safety, supports communication and sustains wellbeing.

Although the Triangle of Care was originally developed for use in mental health services, the standards outlined below have been found applicable in other care settings. This guide demonstrates how these standards can be used to support a partnership approach to dementia care, particularly in hospital settings. The Triangle of Care for Dementia describes how meaningful involvement and inclusion of carers can lead to better care for people with dementia. In an ideal situation the needs of the carer and the person with dementia are both met. Inclusion of people with dementia and support in making decisions is therefore fundamental to its success. This will then complete the triangle. The Royal College of Nursing project Dignity in Dementia; Transforming General Hospital Care (2011) highlighted that involving family carers was highly instrumental in supporting improvements in care and was seen as a high priority by people with dementia, carers and practitioners. Including and supporting carers of people with dementia will lead to better outcomes for patients, carers and ultimately the professionals supporting them (Royal College of Nursing, 2013). While developed with dementia in mind the standards are applicable for anyone caring for or living with someone with a long-term health condition.