Dementia Care: Practices and Considerations

This assignment delves into various aspects of dementia care. It explores behaviors of concern, home safety modifications, data privacy, reporting procedures, stress management strategies, infection control, environmental considerations, staff training, and stigma reduction within a caregiving setting.

Running head: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 1
Question and Answer
Name
Institution

Question and Answer
Question 1a
The stage of dementia calls for personalized care which demands she remains at the facility.
Given her condition, it is necessary to use both verbal and non-verbal communication to discover
what names she likes and use the same towards persuading her to remain within the facility.
Once she accepts, the family shall be informed of the case before proceeding with the admission,
and possible treatment and management plans begin right away. The transition will be easier
with one of the family member mostly desired remaining within the area for observation.
b). Information on Mavis
Information about Mavis has to partly come from the patient, and the other bit come from the
relatives or person taking immediate care of the patient. Besides, relevant information on the
activities that one desired or loved doing has to be collected and the medical history of the
condition given to determine if it is a first-time case or a relapse case. The information can be
compared with the one offered by the client to check on the type of condition and characteristics
presented to determine the type of dementia developed.
c) Person-Centered Practice
Person-centered care calls for a focus on the needs of a patient rather than that of the service to
be rendered. In this case, I would act or seek consent from the patient and the immediate relative
on the best means to explore in handling to try and be relevant to the problem at hand. Instead of
following the process, I would opt to ask the patient the issue directly and find the most feasible
way of restoring one without deviating from the interests. On the other hand, I would use the
patient’s emotional and spiritual well-being to act in accordance to what one desires and follow
the protocol based on the wishes. At the same time, I would make use of both verbal and non-

verbal means to answer the questions brought forward to ensure understanding and ease the
healing process.
Question d
In gaining her trust and acceptance, I would use the names she desires and loves to be called
while giving maximum attention to the patient and the welfare progress. In the process, I would
use an accessible language free from terminologies in promoting dignity to the patient. Such acts
involve saying out words loudly, using facial expressions, and shaking of the head in acceptance
or denial.
Question e
Activities such as dancing, singing church songs, and leading in social events should be given to
remind one of the hobbies thus boost their self-esteem and independence based on their
preferences. Assist her in recognition exercises such as telling the time of the day and
acknowledging images from photos. At the same time seeking one's opinion on issues and
seconding their ideas assist in boosting self-esteem and independence in thoughts and acts.
Question f
Stigma for such patients arises from cases that portray lack of ability or negative comments and
views on the condition. In this respect, I would stay away from making negative comments even
in cases where one fails to meet required standards and instead encourage one in his efforts. At
the same time, I would encourage every little progress made and communicate with the zeal that
everything was doing fine to boost patient morale and ability to recover. Moreover, I would
ensure one takes part in activities that are easy and manageable thus turning positive results.
Question 2a

Beth exhibits several characteristics that are of concern to the caregiver. First, she argues and hits
the husband thus showing signs of intolerance and later accuses one falsely without prove.
Further her movement around the garden and moving pots while accusing others of the same
elicits behavior of concern.
Question 2b
The behavior of hitting the husband registers worries as the same can occur in other patients and
the caregiver thus raising serious safety concerns to personal safety.
Question 2c
In managing hallucination, emanating from the thought of events not occurring in reality, I have
had to reassure individuals of their security and that nothing of the sort happened. I have had to
provide assurance of safety and instill trust among the patients. At the same time, memory loss
problems have been handled through labeling items within one’s vicinity, installing automatic
sensor lights, and other applications that boost memory and making them stay out of danger
(Dewing & Dijk, 2016). The methods have been effective in reminding patients of the time and
name of the item thus mention it and experience a high self-esteem. The strategy is suitable for
the present, and the future gave the benefits it delivers to clients.
Question 2d
The behaviors could have been triggered by the disease which led to memory loss and other
affairs happening at home that might lead to suspicion. Memory loss leads to forgetting of an
issue, items, and time thus call for reminders to keep up with the pace.
Question 2e
Team members could be of value by handling patients according to intuition as well as through
experience and concern to preserve their self-esteem and independence. It would add value for

individuals to reason, stay happy, and always use effective communication techniques in keeping
patients happy.
Question 2f
Beth’s husband needs to be encouraged and made to understand the reasons behind the behavior
and have it perceived as normal for such individuals. In this respect, one would understand the
underlying reasons and appreciate the importance of the services in restoring the normal thoughts
and activities of the individual. Counseling has to be given to ensure the husband understand and
take no offense on the wife’s acts against him.
Question 2g
Proper safety measures have to be considered to ensure the patient does not hurt the husband.
Besides, a record has to be kept of the personal history and the progress report based on the
incidences observed. The records would assist in determining during the next visit if the patient
improved and if the husband needed more counseling services (Dewing & Dijk, 2016).
Question 2h
The information would be collected and treated with utmost confidentiality and only shared with
the relative and other persons of concern allowed by the family. The information shall remain in
safe storage with backup information and only remain accessible by authorized personnel.
Information needs to be kept secret and only released or accessed by persons recognized by the
policy.
Question 2i
The illness could render the husband stressed; given the reaction and the slow pace of recovery if
at all the situation occurred previously. The family would remain worried about the progress and
wonder at the hostility registered which would be a stress factor and a worry once the wife left

the facility. At the same time, the husband shall have a fear of losing a sane wife as one ponders
on the future undertakings.
Question 3a
The case presents no form of abuse but rather a case of restraint and restricted practice. The son
in the case restricts or ensures the father receives no mails owing to his condition but rather
decides to do so on behalf and have the issues addressed promptly. Therefore, no abuse occurred
in the process but only prevented the father from forgetting on key issues spelled out in the mails
by having them sent personally.
Question 3b
Cases of abuse are to be addressed through the relevant authority. Noted cases have to be
reported to the family members if the perpetrator is external and on the other hand report to
caregivers or the police if the case occurs internally. At the same time, the victim has to be
encouraged and assured of safety and that no further harassment or abuse shall happen in future.
Question 3c
There is a need to explain the matter to the individual and point out the dangers of leveling
further abuse cases on older persons. Besides, it is fundamental to dispense any fears that the
information might be coming from the victim to do away with cases of victimization. Making the
issue clear would lead to a change of habit.
Question 3d
Stressful events can impact negatively on the life of a caregiver. Whenever I begin to feel
emotional or preoccupied with an individual issue, I understand how it might affect my practices
thus seek for help. Getting nervous or less concerned with patient progress shows a shift in
attention thus a need to reorganize oneself.

Question 3e
In a stressful event, it is proper to seek counseling help to improve one’s well-being. At the same
time, I preoccupy myself with books and other social activities to forget the worrying situations.
Moreover, I communicate with colleagues on issues and have them assist in wearing them out.
Question 4
Dementia is a progressive health problem which bears significant consequences to the health and
quality of life of individuals and their families. The impacts of the disease increase as the
severity of the condition grows thus increasing dependency on the care providers. The state
presents memory loss and possible actions resulting from the same. The changes in people are
noticeable and come out gradually as in the case of memory lapse that may begin in a small way
but turn out large in the long run. After that, impaired judgment may follow thus affecting the
ability to reason and carry out things. The condition occurs in four distinct stages with the first
being mild and the last being worse than the rest. The onset of dementia correlates with the case
of Alzheimer which accounts for a significant percentage of the condition.
Assignment 3
Dementia
Dementia refers to a collective description pointing to various symptoms of decline in cognitive
ability which results in forgetful nature. In this respect, it bears a connection to several
underlying diseases and brain disorders. An approximate number of over 47 million people in the
world suffer from the condition which affects mostly the seniors. In as much as it is connected
with aging, the condition is not a normal part of aging.
Causes of Dementia

The condition is caused by damage to the brain which leads to the cognitive challenges. Once
damaged, the act interferes with the general ability of the brain to communicate with each other
thus affecting the feeling, thinking, and behavior of individuals. Several parts of the brain may be
damaged such as the memory, movement, and judgment sections which lead to a dysfunction
(Brooker & Latham, 2015). Some injuries are permanent and can worsen over time while others
can be improved or treated. The conditions that can be treated include thyroid problems, vitamin
deficiency, and alcoholism and depression cases.
Types of Dementia
The situation is split into two groups depending on the part of the brain that has been damaged.
The cortical dementias occur due to problems in the outer layer of the brain known as the
cerebral cortex. The part plays a critical role in the retaining of memory and language. Persons
affected by the condition present severe memory loss and find it hard to comprehend language
previously understood. Typical forms of the disease include the Creutzfeldt-Jakob and the
Alzheimer diseases. The second type is known as the sub-cortical dementias which result from
the damage in parts of the brain beneath the cortex (Brooker & Latham, 2015). Persons affected
with the condition find it hard to think quickly or start activities promptly.
Diagnosis
There exists no test in the determination of persons with dementia but rather depend on the
medical history and observable characteristics and changes in thinking. Therefore, it 's hard to
determine the exact type of condition unless one observes the features over a stretch period.
Once detected, a patient is prescribed to a doctor based on the level where specialized care may
be recommended.
Symptoms

Persons with the condition exhibit memory loss, difficulty in accomplishing tasks as earlier done,
communication challenges, distortion in thoughts, changes in moods, personality changes, and
the loss of initiative where people reduce interest in events earlier perceived as a hobby.
Treatment and Care
Treatment of the condition depends on the cause since some can be cured while others contained
or suppressed as one continues to live with the condition. Drugs and practices are administered to
slow the pace of the condition and suppress the symptoms. Non-drug therapies can be used to
ease in some conditions. Increased research and study can be used to find means towards
preventing and controlling the situation in manageable levels.
Question 2
There are several principles surrounding the patient centered practice. The principles include
respect for patients’ preferences in given cases, coordination and integration of care. At the same
time, it introduces information and education to patients to furnish them with issues surrounding
their progress. Physical comfort is another principle which ensures patients are safe and
comfortable and the principle of emotional support. Besides, there are principles dealing with
involvement of family and friends in patient care information and handling, continuity and
transition as well as the access to care for patients within facilities.
Question 3
People with dementia have five needs including need for compassion, care, assistance, company,
and hospitality.
Question 4
Sexual assault for the group involves indecent assault and exploitative behavior on people
without their consent. Emotional abuse includes threat of maltreatment and intimidation to

individuals facing the condition. Neglect involves the deliberate failure to provide protection to
patients and failure to provide medical attention to the individuals. Examples of physical abuse
include infliction of pain as a form of discipline and attempted suffocation. Psychological abuse
relates t torture of mind and the act of subjecting individuals to stress when facing the condition.
Question 5
The use of facial expression is a strategy essential in enhancing communication with individuals facing
dementia. On the other hand, communicating using familiar words accompanied by non-verbal cues
would assist in understanding communication aspects. The strategy of mixing the two assists in fostering
understanding and the power of intuition essential in decoding information.
Question 6
What factors must you consider when organizing activities for people with dementia?
Engaging individuals in activities must be done with a careful consideration on the persons.
Time is crucial in that patients do not have to be involved in activities that take long as they lose
concentration fast. Moreover, the activities have to promote self esteem and maintain skills
learned by individuals. Similarly, the activities must not be competitive as they may make
individuals give up. It must be interesting to the individuals taking part in the activities for
relevancy purposes.
Question 7
Persons with dementia can be assisted by having them participate in activities that thrill them and
keeping them in watch while removing objects that may endanger them from vicinity.
Independence would arise in cases where people are free to do what they want and those that
please them.
Question 8

Information can be collected from the previous medical history while the rest can be retrieved
from the immediate family or persons taking care of patients. Such records are to be storeed and
treated with confidentiality.
Question 9
Assisting a family with a case of the condition involves administering of advise on handling of
persons, providing education and information on treatment, developing mechanisms towards
transferring patients for specialized care. Care givers can be motivated and emotionally
appraised to learn easier means of taking care of patients.
Question 10
Financial impacts might be there as the process is costly especially I seeking specialized
services. At the same time, if a bread winner is involved in the case, it causes a financial strain to
the family. Psychological torture can exist as in the case where one was well previously and thus
affected by the change of events.
Question 11
Behaviors of concern include physical aggression, refusal of medical services, eating disorders,
wandering, and lack of concentration.
Question 12
Homes can be made safe for persons with dementia by evaluating the environment with attention
to work rooms, basement, and garages to be free from chemicals and other items requiring
supervision. Secondly, it is important to prepare for emergencies by keeping a list of hospital
response teams, fire departments, and the local police contacts. The emergency procedures must
be common to individuals and surety put to ensure all equipment work. Installation of safety
locks have to be set to prevent dementia persons from wandering and getting lost or causing

destruction. Guns have to be disabled and stored far from reach to avoid fatalities. Fourthly, it is
important to avoid safety hazards to avoid dementia clients affecting them.
Question 13
Documentation at the workplace are stored in the stores and an access control system put in place
to avoid interference. A back up data center exists where information can be retrieved in case of
theft or destruction of the same. Information can be stored only with the consent of the
immediate family where disclosure remains discrete to the interested and authorized persons
only.
Question 14
Reporting to the supervisor occurs in cases where the condition of a patient has gone overboard
or remains in danger. In this case, the supervisor comes in to assist in restoring safety for
individuals.
Question 15
Stress levels can be monitored by remaining aware of the present and normal status of oneself. In
this respect, it would be easy to detect and address the cases early through relevant means. In
monitoring the levels, I would weigh my engagement level and productivity at the workplace. As
such, it becomes easy to seek relevant services from the colleagues to avoid passing the same to
the clients.
Question 16
I would take periodic tests and precautionary measures to ensure I remain healthy. At the same
time, I would follow all the required factors in remaining well and safe in the working
environment. Besides, I would be proactive in noticing patient with communicable diseases and
addressing their needs adequately to avoid spreading.

Question 17
It is important to maintain environments for dementia people to avoid stressing them in coping
with different environments as their adaptation remains low.
Question 18
The organization ensures each care giver understand patients and encourages so by rotational
shifts to ensure information on the different people remain accessible. Improvements could be
made where the supervisors could be discussing the cases to prompt understanding among the
care givers.
Question 19
Stigma can be handled by allowing individuals work freely and not making patients realize their
serious state of affair but rather normalize the same. Making things normal and avoiding
amusement and surprises on given cases would reduce the stigma level among patients.

References
Brooker, D., & Latham, I. (2015). Person-centred dementia care: Making services better with
the VIPS framework. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Dewing, J., & Dijk, S. (2016). What is the current state of care for older people with dementia in
general hospitals? A literature review. Dementia, 15(1), 106-124.