Caregiver approach
• Recognize challenges • Recognize that the illness is not the person • Constantly modify approach • Maintain perspective • Be kind, compassionate, patient, empathetic
• Responses may not be logical • Caregiver strength and perspective is invaluable to the person with AD
Caregiver self-care
• Caregivers need breaks; make time for a “pause”
• Make sure caregiver is not angry, hungry, or tired
• Identify care support team • Ask for help when needed
Note: Adapted from Mayo Clinic, 2022
Self-Assessment Quiz Question #11 What type of clothing will be helpful for a patient with AD?
a. Items with elastic waists. b. Items with small zippers. c. Overalls. d. Belts.
ACTIVITIES TO ENGAGE THE PATIENT WITH AD
Plan frequent modifications of activities, based on the person’s responsiveness and disease stage. Consider the following approaches when engaged in activity and routine. Affirm, distract, and redirect Affirm by acknowledging the patient’s expression or action with validating a statement such as “I see that you are upset” followed by distracting with a question such as “I’m sorry you are upset—would you like to have lunch?” These statements are more manageable for an AD patient who may lack the capacity to communicate their thoughts clearly. Redirection that can improve the situation could be suggesting a walk or looking at photos. This approach will need to be modified but can defuse difficult situations. Deliver a response with warmth and reassurance Focus on the feelings the AD patient expresses, as opposed to their actual words. Respond with verbal and physical expressions of comfort, warmth, and reassurance. If the patient is comfortable with touch, offer your hand as a Reminisce and maintain a sense of humor Let the patient share stories, as patients will have an easier time remembering their personal history and things from the past. Encourage the person to share photos and personal Embrace the patient, not the behavior People with AD and other dementias may experience a change in personality. Compassion will serve the caregiver well when addressing needs and behaviors. For example, if the person wants to sleep on the floor instead of the bed, Medication review Medication should be evaluated by a professional regularly as the disease progresses. Patients must take medications as prescribed. However, their medication regimen should be monitored and evaluated periodically. Medication management will identify any potential reactions and changes that are pharmacologically induced. Remember, the person may not have the ability to express how they are feeling, so the medication regimen must be overseen by a caregiver.
Healthcare Consideration: It is important that members of the care team collaborate to explore new technological options that can improve aspects of the AD situation. Assistive technologies can limit wandering and help with communication, various therapies, medication reminders, socialization, and education. They can also support a sense of independence (Palmdorf et al., 2021).
gesture of safety and kindness. Respect boundaries, go slowly, and let the patient know that you are a loving presence.
images, and if they are open to questions, then ask them to share more.
ensure safety and let them. As a patient senses a loss of control over their life, they may act out. Permit safe choices that may be nontraditional.
Self-Assessment Quiz Question #12 As an AD patient experiences advanced symptoms, it is important to remember: a. To embrace the patient, not the behavior. b. That the patient’s behavior can be controlled with affirmation. c. That the patient will not try to control their environment. d. To always ask the patient lots of questions.
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Book Code: SWUS1525
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