Conditions Affecting Cognition
This condition is characterized by a sudden onset of confusion and disorientation due to an underlying medical issue, and is often reversible.
What is delirium?
This is a common safety risk for dementia patients, especially those who are confused, have difficulty remembering where they are or how to get home.
What is wandering?
This intervention helps reduce confusion and anxiety by establishing a predictable daily schedule for the patient.
What is creating a structured routine?
Nurses help caregivers by providing these, which educate them on the patient's condition and the care needs they may face.
What are educational resources?
This national organization provides resources, educational materials, and support for families dealing with dementia, including Alzheimer’s.
What is the Alzheimer’s Association?
This is the most common type of dementia, characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Due to cognitive decline, this type of accident is more likely to occur in dementia patients, especially in unfamiliar or cluttered environments.
What are falls?
Provide meals in a pleasant, home-like atmosphere, take into consideration food preferences, support intake of nutritious meals and offer encouragement and assistance (if needed) to the patient (Watt et al., 2024).
What are interventions to ensure patients with dementia receive adequate nutrition?
This form of support allows caregivers to connect with others in similar situations and share advice or emotional support.
What is a support group?
This type of service allows families to receive professional help in the home, including assistance with daily activities or medical needs.
What is home health services?
This condition is often mistaken for dementia due to similar symptoms like memory loss and difficulty concentrating, but it is actually a mood disorder that can be treated with therapy or medication.
What is depression?
Patients with dementia might forget to do this, which can lead to serious safety hazards, including burns or fires.
What is turning off stoves or heaters?
A safe environment for dementia patients includes removing this type of hazard that can cause slips or trips.
What are rugs or obstacles?
This type of care helps give caregivers a break, allowing them some time off from caregiving duties.
What is respite care?
This program provides a temporary relief option for caregivers by giving them a short-term break from caregiving duties.
What is respite care?
Unlike dementia, this condition develops rapidly, is often caused by infections or medication, and can be reversed if treated properly.
What is delirium?
This risk can arise when dementia patients are unable to recognize dangerous situations or avoid self-injury.
What is self-harm?
These activities can help engage a dementia patient and improve their quality of life by stimulating cognitive and emotional well-being.
What are activities like puzzles, music, or crafts?
Nurses help caregivers avoid this by encouraging them to take breaks and seek help when needed to prevent burnout.
What is caregiver fatigue or burnout?
These local-based services might include transportation, meal delivery, or social activities specifically for elderly individuals with dementia.
What are community resources?
This cognitive disorder affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It develops slowly and is not reversible.
What is dementia?
To reduce safety risks in the home, this type of monitoring system could be used to prevent wandering outside at night.
What are locks or alarms?
Providing limited choices and giving simple instructions
What intervention prevents feelings of overwhelm and frustration in patients w/ dementia?
The role of the nurse in supporting family and caregivers of patients with dementia includes providing education about the disease early on to better prepare family for future events and providing referrals to appropriate agencies and support groups as needed.
What is the nurse's role in supporting family/caregivers?
Professional advice for dementia patients and families often comes from organizations that help with long-term care planning and decision-making.
What are legal or financial advisory services?