What do EMI and EMD mean?

Health terms can sometimes be a little confusing. Here, we clear up the uncertainty around EMI and EMD.

This article will give you information on:

• What EMI means.
• EMI units and care they offer.
• Differences between EMI and EMD.
• EMI care essential details.
  

What Does EMI Mean?

The term EMI stands for Elderly Mentally Infirm, referring to a deterioration of physical strength, mental agility or both. This usually refers to older people who develop a form of dementia or Alzheimer’s and are in need of more comprehensive care.

It’s generally thought of as an outdated term these days. You’re more likely to hear  ‘dementia with care’ or ‘person living with advanced stages of dementia’ instead. Dementia is defined as the condition that affects brain functioning and can cause memory loss, inhibit language use and affect judgement or decision-making.

If someone has been diagnosed as being EMI or in the later dementia phases, they or their loved ones may be looking for a care home that provides a greater level of support around the clock.

The NHS calculates that there are around 850,000 people in the UK who have dementia. One in 14 people over the age of 65 have dementia and the condition affects 1 in 6 people over 80.

It won’t be a surprise to discover that, with an increasingly older population, there will be more people living with dementia in the UK by 2025, predicted to potentially be 1 million cases.

What Do EMI Units Offer?

An EMI unit in a care residence should provide specialist support for people with advanced memory impairment conditions and dementia. This level of expert provision aims to deliver:

• Trained staff with the experience to care for people with advanced dementia.
• Tailored daily schedules to establish a calm, contented environment.
• High-quality facilities to provide a safe, happy place for residents.

An EMI unit may be integrated within the whole care or residential home or be a separate, discrete space attached to a care home. Each EMI unit will probably have their own criteria or strategic plan based on government and CQC guidelines.

However, most will aim to accommodate sensory stimulating activities and dedicated areas that will promote a more harmonious and engaging experience for those living with memory impairment conditions. 

This short video from the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) explains a little more about what to expect from EMI or dementia support in a care home.

It’s normal practice for qualified carers to assess the mobility needs, personal care requirements and dietary preferences of a potential resident as they apply to move in. Good quality care homes will regularly analyse these over the time a person spends in a residence to ensure their needs are always being met as much as possible.

Care facilities with EMI units are encouraged to create bespoke, personalised care plans that address the person’s individual needs along with the provision of 24 hour person-centred support. It’s essential families know these plans should exist to make sure their loved one is receiving appropriate nurture and care.

Looking at the activities on offer for residents in an EMI unit can also deliver reassurance for families and loved ones. For people who are classed as EMI, a range of evidence suggests that mind-stimulating activities that promote memory activation and spark enhanced brain functioning are key to constructing a positive experience.

You might see residents taking part in music therapy, creating art and craft designs or enjoying visits by animal companies to inspire feelings of wellbeing. Carers who tap into what each person likes or dislikes and know how to tailor provided support are vital in maintaining good health over the longer term.

This NHS guide gives some clear information about dementia and how care might be approached in residential homes that specifically cater for people living with dementia and other memory-related conditions.

What Are The Differences Between EMI And EMD?

EMD is an abbreviation of Elderly Mental Dementia. This typically refers to those people who are living with dementia-like symptoms or have been diagnosed with a form of dementia. Dementia is the word used by professionals to describe a group of symptoms that occur when brain cells stop working properly.

Therefore, the difference between the two terms is that EMI can refer to those people who have significant needs that require experienced professionals to provide tailored care; whereas EMD is more commonly applied to people living with the condition of dementia either at home, in hospital or in a care facility.

Alzheimer’s Research UK gives a well-defined summary of a range of memory-loss conditions, how they manifest in people and what to expect in terms of care.

This SCIE (Social Care Institute for Excellence) video shows how families often have to evaluate the life their loved one is leading and assess whether a care home can provide a safer, more secure and happy environment.

The types of care on offer for people with EMI or those with EMD may be quite similar in some ways, such as intensified support and round-the-clock care in place. In other ways there may be some differences, as those with dementia can often need carers who understand the stages of dementia and what bespoke support is suitable for each stage.

This easy-read guide from Alzheimer’s UK explains the issues that people living with dementia may face and how best to approach care in these circumstances. In fact, there is also some information enabling families, carers or loved ones to better understand the varied strategies to employ if a person living with dementia finds certain situations challenging.

EMI Units: Essential Details

If your loved one needs EMI care, then it’s probably reasonable to expect further assessments on the person’s ability to carry out basic activities and an evaluation around how they interact with others.

EMI units will also cost more in terms of care. Each home or unit should be able to explain costs and charges to clarify what is being covered in terms of personal support. It’s likely that EMI units will have to provide more intensive care by experienced, qualified carers.  This increased cost of care can be offset by those paying for their own care by Funded Nursing Care which increased to £219.71 per week on the 1st April 2023.

Homes have to take into account that people who are classed as EMI will no doubt need to be in quieter, calmer areas and be involved in activities that are more suited to their needs. These may be different from those taking place with other residents.

It is worth noting that patients in hospital and waiting for a hospital discharge may be assessed as needing EMI support.  Research by Autumna has shown that the definition of EMI in hospitals can vary and it is worth clarifying with the individual discharge team exactly what they are looking for in terms of care.  If you want to find your own care for a loved one in hospital you can use this simple online search tool and you will receive a free shortlist of the most appropriate providers.

What is the best way to find information about later living care and support in retirement?

Growing numbers of people are turning to Autumna for support and information when they want to find out more about residential with dementia care homes and nursing with dementia care homes.

Let Autumna help you. Why not complete this short form to let us know exactly what type of care is important to you? We’ll then use our database of over 26,000 care providers to filter your search and send you a shortlist of those that can help.

Alternatively email us here: info@autumna.co.uk or call our Advice Line on 01892 335 330. Our phone line is open seven days a week. (8:30am - 5:30pm Mon-Fri, 10am - 5pm Sat, 10am - 4pm Sun).