From Distress to Dignity: How the pobroll® Transformed Personal Care in a Secure Dementia Ward

When caring for people living with advanced dementia, even the most routine tasks — like personal washing — can become moments of anxiety, resistance, and distress. This was the case for DT, a resident in a secure dementia ward, whose journey illustrates just how powerful the right tool can be in restoring calm, dignity, and safety.

The Challenge: Personal Care That Triggered Distress

DT was admitted to the ward following a serious fall and a sudden decline in his cognitive and physical abilities. Once independent and living at home with their partner, DT now required full-time support, including bed-based washing. The loss of autonomy, combined with confusion and communication difficulties, made care particularly challenging.

During personal care routines, staff observed that DT frequently became agitated, using non-verbal cues to express discomfort. They also physically resisted repositioning, curling into a flexed position and pushing back against attempts to roll — making hygiene tasks not only difficult but emotionally distressing for both DT and his caregivers.

A Simple Innovation: The pobroll® for Dementia Care

To address these challenges, the care team introduced the pobroll® — a waterproof, dual-layered cotton towelling wrap designed to enable full bed-based washing without exposing the person or requiring invasive handling. While the intervention was simple, the effects were remarkable.

What Changed for DT:

• Increased comfort and security: DT was observed pulling the pobroll® close under their chin — a gesture interpreted as self-soothing and an indicator of emotional reassurance.

• Less agitation during washing: DT showed visibly reduced signs of distress when the pobroll® was used.

• Improved cooperation during rolling: With less hands-on involvement from staff, DT appeared more relaxed and was easier to reposition.

• Dignified transfers: The pobroll® replaced traditional towels during hoisted transfers to the bath, offering greater coverage and warmth through communal areas — a crucial consideration for DT's comfort and modesty.

• Energy preserved for meaningful activities: Because the pobroll® reduced the number of required rolls and transfers, DT conserved more energy for positive engagements, such as spending time with their partner, eating, and participating in therapy.

  
  

What the Staff Said: Survey Insights

To evaluate the impact of the pobroll®, a structured staff survey was conducted. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive:

• 100% of staff reported a significant reduction in resident distress during personal care.

• All respondents observed less resistance compared to traditional washing methods.

• Aggressive and defensive behaviours decreased significantly, making care routines safer for everyone.

• While staffing numbers remained the same, staff reported feeling safer and more confident during care.

• Every staff member rated the pobroll® as “much easier to use” and unanimously recommended its continued use.

• While PRN medication use and incident reports remained steady, staff agreed the pobroll® offered a more dignified, person-centred experience overall.

Conclusion: Respect, Reassurance, and Results

DT’s experience highlights something we often forget: dignity isn’t just a concept — it’s a feeling, a response, a human need. In settings where personal care must happen under challenging circumstances, even a small shift in approach can make a world of difference.

The pobroll® for dementia care not only supported DT’s comfort and cooperation, it made personal care more manageable and respectful for staff. This case study shows that compassionate care doesn’t always require complex interventions — sometimes, it starts with the right wrap.

Looking to explore the pobroll® for your care setting? Get in touch to discuss the way forward in providing safer, more dignified care — whether for older adults, children with complex needs, or anyone receiving care in bed.

#DementiaCare #PersonCentredCare #CareInnovation #Pobroll #DignityInCare #SecureUnits #SafeCare #ClinicalOutcomes #CompassionateCare