BALANCING MAXIMUM INDEPENDENCE AND HOME SAFETY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEMENTIA
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Hope
Engagement
Social Confidence
Independence
Respect
Truthfulness
Core Values of
Choice Dignity Respect Self-Determination Purposeful Living
PersonCentered Care
Empowers
Care is driven --as much as possible-by the individual and supported by the caregiver
5%
40%
Between 2000 and 2010 diagnoses of a Dementia Related Disorder has increased 68%
SURVEY
Do you work with adults with a Dementia Related Disorder: Yes No
40%
6-20 years
Alzheimers Frontotemporal dementia Lewy Body dementia Vascular dementia Huntingtons disease Parkinsons dementia
Biologically
Spiritually
HOLISTICALLY = PersonCentered
BARRIERS TO SUCCESS
What do you consider the largest barrier to success for adults with a DRD aging at home? 1. Wandering 2. Nutrition 3. Agitation 4. Isolation 5. Care Partner Availability 6. Others?
Can you clearly see all steps in your home as you go up and down? Free of clutter? Handrails on interior and exterior stairways? Are all loose carpets and runners fastened to the floor or removed? Are there night lights in the hallways?
Are your stove controls easy to see and use? Are flammable objects (towels or loose fitting clothing) kept away from your stove? Can you reach items you regularly use without climbing on a chair or stool? Or if you do have a stool, is it sturdy? Again, if you have mats or rugs, are they secured to the floor?
Use pointing, light touch, or an occasional tap on the table to orient the person.
Use simple but specific verbal commands as in "Lift your spoon!" or "Scoop the apple sauce!" Avoid saying something like "Finish eating, Mom!" Rushing a person can trigger agitation. It can help reduce the person's stress (and yours) and make for a more relaxing mealtime. Ever heard of laughter yoga?
Is your hot water heater set too high (keep under 120 degrees)
Do you have a grab bar installed in your tub or shower? Or what about a bath seat?
Are you able to get on and off the toilet easily? Consider purchasing a raised toilet seat or consider having a grad bar installed.
Suggestions: Listening to or signing favorite songs, watching short, soothing videos, looking at magazine or photo albums, aromatherapy hand massage, pet therapy
REVIEW
Make sure that whoever is interacting with your loved one knows how he or she can best communicate with the person with dementia. Plan Ahead
Remind them that they are not only important to you for their presence and support, but that they are still important and vital people in the life of your loved one.
Treading Water
Long hours
No vacation
RESOURCES
www.thiscaringhome.org www.alz.org www.dementiacarecentral.com www.liftcaregiving.com My91yearoldmom.com www.dcrinc.org Your Area Agency on Agency Communities of Faith