Understanding the Person Behind the Behaviour
Benito’s Story
At Mayflower, we know that every behaviour tells a story - and behind every moment is a person with a lifetime of habits, routines and meaning.
When Benito came to live with us at Mayflower Reservoir, our team noticed something unusual. Bath towels in his room were often found with small holes cut into them.
At first, this presented as a concern - but rather than simply addressing the outcome, our team sought to understand the reason behind it.
Through conversations with Benito’s daughter, Maria, we learned that this behaviour wasn’t random. At home, Benito had always hung his towels on the wall using a specific method.
Creating holes in the towels was his way of continuing a familiar routine - one that brought a sense of order and comfort.
With this insight, our team shifted focus from stopping the behaviour to supporting the person.
A number of thoughtful approaches were trialled.
Towels with pre-made holes were introduced to replicate what Benito was trying to achieve.
Bathroom fittings were also adjusted to better reflect his home environment. While these changes were made with care, Benito’s cognitive changes meant they didn’t fully meet his needs.
The breakthrough came with a simple, yet meaningful adjustment.
The team introduced blue towels - Benito’s favourite colour - each with a clearly visible hook string.
This provided a stronger visual cue, helping Benito recognise where and how to hang his towel, without the need to modify it himself.
This small change made a significant difference.
Benito’s story is a reminder that in dementia care, it is not about correcting behaviour - it is about understanding it.
By taking the time to listen, involve family, and explore personalised solutions, we can support each person to maintain their dignity, independence and sense of familiarity.
At Mayflower, this is what Care without Compromise looks like in action - respectful, personalised care that honours the individual.
