Caregiver approach
• Recognize challenges • Recognize that the illness is not the person • Constantly modify approach • Maintain perspective • Be kind, compassionate, patient, empathetic • Caregivers need breaks; make time for a “pause”
• Responses may not be logical • Caregiver strength and perspective is invaluable to the person with AD
Caregiver self-care
• Make sure caregiver is not angry, hungry, or tired
• Identify care support team • Ask for help when needed
Note: Adapted from Shin & Habermann (2022)
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR SAFE DISEASE PROGRESSION
As AD progresses people may require oversight provided by a residential community. Most people intend to age in place at their homes, but disease progression may present limitations for safety, mobility, and socialization. Ideally a person would determine a plan of care for themselves in the Adult daycare Adult daycare programs are located throughout the U.S. They allow the person to remain in the home with supervision but have a full structured day in a safe environment. These programs may be run by nonprofits with Assisted living facilities (ALF) ALF may be appropriate for the earlier stages of dementia, as they adjust levels of care to accommodate the disease. And they often have separate memory units to provide Memory units These units are designed specifically for the patient with dementia. Buildings are often structured to safely accommodate wandering and mobility, and they provide structured activities for stimulation and engagement. There Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) are long-term living facilities for people who require extensive 24-hour care. Patients experiencing end-stage AD may move to a SNF for care. These facilities are the most expensive of the residential options and while a short period of time is covered by Hospice Hospice services can be appropriate for end-stage AD. Hospice treatment can be brought to the home, the community, or a unit that provides accommodations for overnight care. Additionally, hospice provides respite care
early stages, but this does not typically happen. Limitations of caregiving combined with an increased need for care prompt loved ones to explore daycare options or residential options with 24-hour care.
a sliding fee scale, or the cost can be covered in part by Medicaid. These programs include meals, activities, toileting support, rest, and potentially transportation.
higher levels of care. These facilities can be paid for by long-term care insurance, private pay, or Medicaid.
is a higher ratio of professional caregivers to patients. These facilities can be paid for with long-term care insurance, private pay, or Medicaid.
Medicare (up to 100 days), there can still be a copayment, followed by the full rate once the Medicare benefit has expired. This can also be private pay or covered by Medicaid.
to the caregivers for a set amount of time during the service. The hospice benefit is typically fully covered, and offers many value-added services; however, the person may have to pay for caregiving assistance if needed.
CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER
Caregivers can suffer from sadness, depression, stress, feeling trapped, overwhelmed, and distressed (Shin & Habermann 2022). Stressed caregivers may find their health compromised. It is important that family caregivers build a supportive network that will help them share the responsibility. Professional caregivers may also find the role stressful. As suggested as a part of best practices, they should ensure that they are getting exercise, eating a healthy diet, having quiet moments, and reaching out for help as needed.
New technology may be helpful for families and professional caregivers (Palmdorf, 2021). Devices include televisions, computers, smartphones, monitoring devices, fall prevention sensory devices, and robots. The goal is to provide supportive patient monitoring and engagement, caregiver connection, and telehealth. Health plans may offer these devices as a part of their coverage, and all are designed to improve outcomes and well-being.
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Book Code: PCIL1525
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