Dementia Care Across Settings

Dementia Care Across Settings 1
DEMENTIA CARE ACROSS SETTINGS
By (Name)
Course
University
Tutor
Date

Dementia Care Across Settings 2
Dementia Care across Settings
Introduction
The healthcare needs of the elderly have continued to change with a continued decrease
in the mortality rates of this patient population. This group of individuals comprising people
above the age of 65 has been faced with a number of medical conditions that have often proved
to be incurable. For instance, the prevalence of dementia, a psychological condition that
deteriorates the emotional status of individuals has risen to alarming levels thereby presenting
considerable challenges not only to the patient, but also to the caregivers of these individuals
(Gilleard & Higgs, 2014, p. 242). As such, this condition has raised major public health concerns
with various studies attempting to investigate the best forms of interventions that could enhance
the recovery process and ease the daily living conditions of these patients.
Jean is 67 years old and she has recently been identified as an individual with
diagnosis through her diagnosis. The specific condition is Alzheimer’s disease. Jean has
admitted that this condition has significantly affected her social life since she has found it
difficult to associate with her friends let alone her husband and her two boys. Even though Jean’s
condition is still in its early stages, the patient admitted that the condition is taking an emotional
toll on her given the difficulties she experiences in her social and family relations. Taking ethical
considerations into perspective and specifically the need to get consent from Jean as well as
protecting her confidentiality, this paper analyses Jean’s condition and reviews the most
appropriate intervention that can address Jean’s condition.
Evidence-Based Summary

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Jean has lived in the country side most of her life. Occasionally, Jean would relocate to
different cities for education purposes and after finishing her college education, she returned
home and focused on her career as a high school teacher. At that time, she also got engaged and
married, as she says, the love of her life, Mark. The two have been happily married for more than
thirty years where they also had two boys. Jean attests that her family is the most important thing
in her life. Additionally, Jean has maintained a social life being surrounded by a lot of friends
from her neighborhood and the town as well. In this case, she is well known as a friendly person,
one who is always willing to help out and the students too have really warmed up to her during
her years of teaching prior to retiring.
After retirement, Jean remained affiliated with the school as she was nominated to be a
special member of the board. All had been going so well for Jean until she began to experience
the first symptoms of dementia. Jean began to forget simple things including names and places
that she had grew fond of. Her husband closely observed as Jean’s condition was slowly
revealed. At one time, upon Jean’s insistence, she forgot her favorite cooking recipe and she
completely didn’t know how to cook the food. As these signs became more and more evident,
the two decided to visit a medical facility where Jean was diagnosed with dementia. The decision
however did not sit well with Jean as she initially refused to accept the diagnosis she became
worried of the outcomes of this condition. Consequently, Jean became severely depressed
necessitating the need to check in to a nursing home.
An Outline of the Healthcare Needs
A dialectical analysis for Jean’s condition can be established based on Kitwood’s model
that premises five main factors namely; personality, social psychology, neurological

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impairment biography, and health status (Kitwood, 1990, p. 178). These factors are essential
in explaining the elements that contribute to the emanation and escalation of dementia.
Personality
Throughout her life, Jean has been sociable keeping her friends and family very close.
She has further confided in her husband and friends her conditions and they have been willing to
offer support to her. However, even though this support has been fundamental in helping Jean to
cope with her condition, Jean has progressively felt withdrawn especially when she began to
forget some of her friends during their visits. This forgetfulness has left Jean in owe of her
condition thereby exacerbating her emotional trauma.
Biography
Aside from being sociable, Jean maintained deep fondness for her husband, their two
children, and her daughter in law and her grandchild. They would often stay indoors and read
stories or alternatively listen to old country songs that they loved. The condition has however
deprived Jean and her family this happiness given that Jean began to forget these stories as well
as the name of these songs.
Health Status
Jean’s condition has been detrimental to her mental status given that she has continued to
experience psychological distress. Recently, she would often stare through the window for hours
wondering what would happen if she completely forgets her family and friends. Based on these
effects, the formulated treatment plan should therefore focus on addressing the emotional trauma
that has impacted Jean by enhancing Jean’s togetherness with her family.