The Provision of Total Care Needs for a Dependent Person with Dementia

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the total care needs for dependent persons diagnosed with dementia, with a specific focus on Alzheimer's disease. It defines key terms such as 'dependent person' and 'dementia,' exploring the causes of dependency and the causes, signs, and symptoms of Alzheimer's. The report outlines the multifaceted needs of dementia patients, including physical, social, emotional/psychological, spiritual, and environmental considerations. It emphasizes the importance of a personalized care plan, detailing its components and the significance of safe and hygienic work practices. Key points for enhancing the quality of life for clients are identified, such as encouraging activities, social interaction, and providing opportunities for choice. The report also covers reporting procedures, the maintenance of relevant records, and the roles of carers and members of the multidisciplinary team in delivering comprehensive care. The report also mentions the importance of identifying trigger points and providing creative communication methods.

CARE SKILLS/CARE OF THE OLDER PERSON
B2131
THE PROVISION OF TOTAL CARE NEEDS FOR A DEPENDENT
PERSON WITH A DIAGNOSIS OF DEMENTIA
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CONTENTS:
Definition of Dependent Person
Definition of Dementia
Causes of Dependency
Causes of Alzheimer`s
Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer`s
Needs of a Client
Importance of a Care Plan
Key Point
Identified reporting procedures
Identified Relevant Records
The Role of Carer and Identification of Members
Identification of Assistance Required
Aids and Equipment Available
Conclusion
Recommendations
References
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THE PROVISION OF TOTAL CARE NEEDS FOR A DEPENDENT PERSON
WITH A DIAGNOSIS OF DEMENTIA.
Definition of Dependent Person: Dependent Person could be a
person who depends on or needs someone or something for aid,
support or favour.
Definition of Dementia: Dementia can be describing a group of
symptoms that over time include problems with memory, thinking or
language, and changes in mood, emotions, perception and
behaviour.
Causes of dependency
Birth: Dependence by birth. The baby depends on the mother to be
fed, bathed, dressed etc.
Illness/Disease: It can be described as a person who is sick or
suffering from an illness and needs care and support from someone
else.
Accident: It can be described as a person who has had accident and
needs someone else's care.
Age: Elderly person who can no longer support themselves and
needs care from someone else.
Dementia/Alzheimer`s: Dementia is a general decline in mental
abilities such as memory, language and reasoning that persists
throughout life and can interfere with a person's normal activities
and relationships. Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that
impairs memory, thinking and behaviour. In terms of prevalence, we
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can say that it is the main dementia, since it is responsible for more
than half of the cases in the world.
Causes of Alzheimer`s:
Alzheimer`s disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal
build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. One of the proteins is
called amyloid. Although it`s not known exactly what causes this
process to begin, scientists now that it begins many years before
symptoms appear. In more unusual forms of Alzheimer`s disease,
different areas of the brain are affected.
Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer`s:
10 important warning signs:
Sign 1 – Memory loss. Forget appointments, names or friend`s phone
number. Forget things more often or may have difficulty recalling
information that has recently been learned.
Sign 2 – Difficulty performing familiar tasks. Forgetting how to do a
typical routine or task, such as preparing a meal or getting dressed.
Sign 3 – Problems with language. A person who living with dementia
may forget simple words or may substitute words such that what
they are saying is difficult to understand.
Sign 4 – Disorientation in time and space. Become lost on their own
street, not knowing how they got there or how to get home.
Sign 5 – Impaired judgement. The person may experience changes in
judgement or decision-making, such as not recognizing a medical
problem that needs attention or just wearing heavy clothing on a hot
day.
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Sign 6 – Problems with abstract thinking. Having trouble using a
calculator because of a loss of understanding what numbers are and
how they are used.
Sign 7 – Misplacing things. A person may put things in inappropriate
places where they shouldn’t be.
Sign 8 – Changes in mood and behaviour. Can show varied mood
swings, form calmness to tears to anger for no apparent reason.
Sign 9 – Changes in personality. May experience more striking
personality changes and can become confused, suspicious or
withdrawn, lack of interest or fearfulness.
Sign 10 – Loss of initiative. A person living with dementia become
passive and disinterested and require cues and prompting to become
involved.
Symptoms:
There are three main phases of Alzheimer`s: mild, moderate
and severe. Each stage has its own set of symptoms.
Mild: The first stage lasts from 2 to 4 years and include having less
energy and drive to do things; less interest in work and social
activities; loss of recent memories; language problems; mild
coordination problems such as trouble writing or using familiar
objects; hard time with everyday tasks; mood swings that involve
depression or a lack of interest and trouble with driving or get lost on
familiar routes.
Moderate: Start to forget details about their life. They may not
recognize or remember family members or friends. Forget where
they leave things.
Other symptoms at this stage can include rambling speech;
trouble coming up with the right words and using the wrong ones;
hard time planning or solving problems; confusion about time or
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place; not dressing properly for the weather; getting angry or upset
easily; having trouble in sleep; delusions.
Some people with moderate Alzheimer`s also become more
aware that they are losing control of their lives, which can make even
more frustrated or depressed.
Severe: The third stage, also known as late Alzheimer`s, is most the
severe and lasts 1 to 3 years. Symptoms include some or all of these:
Major confusion about what`s in the past and what`s happening
now; can`t express themselves, remember or process information;
problems with swallowing and control of their bladder and bowels;
weight loss, seizures, skin infections and other illnesses; extreme
mood swings; seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not really
there and can`t move easily on their own.
Needs of a client/resident with a diagnosis of Dementia.
Physical – People with Dementia struggle with eating and drinking,
correct nutrition can sometimes be difficult.
The person with dementia has problems with sleep and some
people sleep during the day and are awake and restless at night.
When the illness progresses the person who lives with
Dementia need reminders or help to wash and bath and might like to
have some assistance.
Some people with Dementia need assistance with dressing. Let
the person make their own choices and ask what they would like to
put on.
Social - Social interaction is healthy, like exercise for the brain, and
can slow symptoms including deteriorating memory. In fact, staying
socially engaged with friends and family has been shown to boost
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self-esteem, which for people with dementia means better eating
habits, more exercise, and better sleep.
Emotional/Psychological: Someone recently diagnosed with
Dementia experience a range of emotions, may include grief, loss,
anger, shock, fear, disbelief and sometimes relief.
The confirmation of a diagnosis can cause depression and
anxiety in some people, there are drug treatments and talking
therapies available for depression and anxiety if needed. Supporting
the person With Dementia is essential, they may have less control
over their feelings and how they express them.
Spiritual: Spiritual care is an essential aspect of caring for people
with Dementia. It can improve their quality of life and give them
strength that they may need to cope with living with their new
condition.
Thinking about spiritual many people set this in the context of
religion, but people with no religious faith still have belief systems
that give meaning and purpose to life. Can be expressed in terms of
their relationships, family, creativity, culture or interest in nature. Its
important they be supported in any religious and cultural beliefs and
behaviours.
Environmental: For people living with Dementia in their own homes
or in nursing homes the physical environment can work well or can
make some big problems.
The kitchen and dining areas are important because a person
with Dementia may lose their appetite and the ability to care for
themselves. The fact they may recognise the kitchen and dining
areas can stimulates the appetites and encourage them to do as
much as possible for themselves.
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People with Dementia may need help to find and recognising
their bedroom. Should be private, cosy and safe. Technology help to
improve arrangements for comfort and sleeping.
Toilets must be designed to help maintain their independency
and dignity over personal care. Going to the toilet or having a bath or
shower should be enjoyable and stress-free.
People with Dementia will be less likely to become agitated and
distressed if they can have regular access to fresh air and exercise,
the garden can be a safe and secure environment. Good lighting is
important, help them make sense of their environment. Finding
individual solutions for each person can help them maintain their
independence.
Importance of a care plan
Care planning is important in delivering improved care for
people whit Dementia, including supporting their families and carers.
A simple of care plan is a good start but is not enough. A care plan
has to be personalised to the specific needs of each person and
changes in their care needs over time.
A dementia personalised care and support plan should cover
D.E.M.E.N.T.I.A – D: Diagnosis review; E: Effective support for carers
review; M: Medication review; E: Evaluate risk; N: New symptoms
inquiry; T: Treatments and support; I: Individuality and A: Advance
care planning.
A completion of a dementia personalised care and support plan
in digital format or on a hard copy is a matter of preference. Both
sources of information are equally valid, if the completed hard copy
is legible.
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Importance of safe and hygienic work practices.
In order to reduce the risk of infection by biological agents
follow good occupational hygiene practices. Hand hygiene is the
leading measure for preventing the spread of antimicrobial
resistance and reducing healthcare associated infections.
The safety and health management practices involve not only
the employer, but all individuals in the company. Smoke, eat, and
drink only in designated areas away from areas where hazardous
materials are used or stored. Small amounts of the substances may
be present in the area, and smoking, eating, and drinking nearby will
cause you to inhale or ingest the hazardous material.
The must important thing is to follow all the protocols. Use all
personal protective equipment when is necessary, such as gloves,
apron, face mask and if have infection visors.
Key point that will contribute to an enhanced quality of life for the
client/ client`s.
Assuming people with Alzheimer`s disease can`t enjoy quality
of life and lose all their abilities is a stigma. Quality of life can be
improved by through participation in activities, music, social
interactions and creative art projects. Regular participation in
pleasant activities can reduce depression, increase feelings of
competence and improve relationships with family members,
resulting in a better quality of life.
Be able to identify the trigger points and try to reduce or
eliminate them. Encourage the clients to be motivate and social
interaction. Music provides a powerful way to connect, art projects
can create a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Be physically
active, regular exercise can help people with dementia improve
activities of daily living.
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Give the person opportunities to make choices, asking what
they like, dislike and their opinions. Find creatives ways to
communicate. Communication is possible at all stages of dementia.
Identified reporting procedures for changes in client`s wellbeing.
Identified relevant records that must be maintained on client`s care
plan/fil.
Every client should be given an assessment to identify
individual needs, preferences and strengths, cover various aspects of
their lives, such as physical, cognitive, social, mental and emotional.
Take note of verbal and non-verbal communication. Find out
what abilities clients have or lack that affects social activities.
Observe client personalities e.g., loners, extroverts, fun loving,
melancholic. Good observation skills is a `golden rule` to knowing
your client and any changes has to be reported.
A care plan will include biography of the client, communication,
mobility, toileting, eating patterns, orientation/cognition,
psychosocial/behavioural, caregiver support needs and recreational
activities. Each of these areas includes a detailed description of the
current functioning, needs and problems, what interventions are
planned, what services will be provided, and the family of the patient
will be involved.
Every information is important, their name and date of birth,
the name they answer to, their likes and dislikes, their background
and interests, personality, physical health, eating and drinking
preferences, what they like to do and what hey enjoy and do not
enjoy.
The role of carer and identification of members of the
multidisciplinary team in care provision.
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Each different healthcare professional has skills to improve the
care and the quality of life of the person with dementia. An
integrated multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and managing
dementia is highly recommended in clinical practice because no
single healthcare speciality has the expertise to deal with the
complex range of cognitive, physical, social and emotional problems
associated with dementia.
PSYCOLOGIST - Psychologists in dementia care services help
people to understand emotional distress and promote well-being.
Support people with dementia manage their behavioural and
emotional changes, helping identify other reasons for memory
difficulties such as delirium and depression.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - Help people to keep up their
every day activities and remain independent for as long as possible
after they develop dementia. Help people with dementia to be
independent and engage in meaningful activity. They can also give
some advice about how technology and home adaptations can help
people living with dementia. By doing something positive or
productive they feel better as a part of something bigger than
themselves.
DIETITIAN - People living with dementia develop mental and
physical disabilities that can prevent them from eating or drinking on
their own at mealtimes, putting them at high risk of weight loss and
dehydration. Dietitian can prevent weight loss and dehydration by
making thorough nutrition assessments and observing mealtime
behaviours.
HEALTH CARE WORKER - Health Care Workers can help with
non-medical support. This could be include support at home with
personal care such as washing, dressing, changing bedding, doing
laundry and helping with meals. They work in your own home as well
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as in residential care homes. They can help with personal care as well
with emotional care, providing information, care and support.
Identification of assistance required.
Dementia often, but not always, begins with a slight decline in
the ability to think. At this point, memory impairment may not affect
a person's ability to function on a daily basis. Early symptoms may
also include a decrease in the ability to perform certain routine tasks,
small changes in personality. At this stage a person with dementia
may begin to realize that something is not right but may choose to
hide their symptoms.
As dementia progresses, symptoms become more difficult to
hide. More noticeable symptoms may develop. Personality changes
may become more noticeable. The person may experience paranoia
or fear. Symptoms can include increased confusion and memory loss.
People with moderate dementia often forget their address or other
personal information. Sleep patterns and mood can change.
Gradually, dementia can progress and become severe. Memory
is often significantly affected. Someone with dementia may not
recognize family members. During late-onset dementia, symptoms
may include an inability to communicate, walk, and control bowel
and bladder function. A person with tardive dementia may have
muscle stiffness and abnormal reflexes. Full-time personal care is
required for eating, bathing and dressing. They are vulnerable to
infections, including pneumonia and bed sores.
Aids and equipment available for people with a diagnosis of
Dementia.
As a person`s dementia progresses, they may find everyday
tasks harder without the support of other people. Aids and
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equipments can make a person`s home easier, safer and more
comfortable, helping them go about their daily routine with less
assistance for as long as possible.
Equipment doesn`t have to be expensive or complicated to be
helpful. Products designed to help older people live well can also be
very useful for people with dementia. These include mobility aids
and equipment for maintaining continence, there are also many
products designed specifically to address the need of people with
dementia, such as memory aids.
There are a range of memory aids to help people remember
important things: Whiteboards, clocks with large faces, diaries and
calendars, dosette boxes and automatic pill dispensers.
Designed kitchen equipment is available to make cooking easier
and safer, include: a kettle tipper, grip extensions, timers set, tray
trolleys, signs to remind the person where cooking items are located,
non-slip rubber gloves.
There are many devices that can make the bathroom safer and
easier to use. Transfer benches, grab rails or bath steps, hoists, bath
seats and bath boards, long-handled sponges, safety plugs. For
toilets and help with incontinence, raised toilet seat, grab rails,
commodes and bedpans, waterproof mattresses and pillows, pads
and pull-up incontinence pants.
To keep people with dementia independent are lots of different
types of equipment, such as walking sticks, walking frames and
wheelchairs, grab rails, ramps, a stairlift, transfer aids, hoists, pulleys
and slings, moveable hoists, riser-recliner chairs, height adjustable
beds, bed hand blocks.
Many people with dementia are affected in their ability to eat
and drink. The person may benefit from equipment such as: cutlery
with cushioned handles, non-slip cups with large handles. Some
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people with dementia may have difficulties eating and drinking due
to visual problems, the colour of the food can also have an effect. A
dark red plate or different colour to the tablecloth help in this
situation.
Conclusion:
In this assignment I have discussed about the provision of total
care needs for a dependent person with a diagnosis of dementia,
definition of dependent person, definition of dementia, causes of
dependency and causes, signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Also, I
have discussed about needs of a client with a diagnosis of dementia,
such as physical, social, emotional, spiritual, environmental needs.
For my work to be carried out I consulted several websites with
recognition, some from hospitals and some student works I found on
the internet and added the knowledge I acquired with my research
I researched about importance of safe and hygienic work
practices, how to identify reporting procedures for changes in
client`s wellbeing, also identify relevant records that must be
maintained on client`s care plan.
I have discussed about the role of the carer and identification
of members of the multidisciplinary team in care provision, I quoted
and discussed about some of them.
I also researched the importance of identifying what kind of
assistance is needed for each stage of dementia and some aids and
equipment available for people with a diagnosis of dementia.
Recommendations:
Information on brain health and cognitive aging should be
available to older people and their families.
Encourage advance planning to optimize the patient's physical,
psychosocial and fiscal well-being, as well as to increase their
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awareness of all care options, including palliative care and inpatient
care.
Encourage caregivers to work together and plan together. Build
culturally sensitive programs that are easily adaptable to special
populations. Ensure that education, information and support
programs are accessible during disease transition periods. Use
technology to reach more families who need education, information
and support.
Reference:
www.hse.ie
www.alzheimers.org.uk
www.webmed.com
www.alzheimer.ie
www.scie.org.uk
www.chartwell.com
www.dementiapathways.ie
www.dementiavoices.org.uk
www.nhs.uk
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