Safety & Environment
What can CNA's do to the floor to keep the environment safe for Mr. Y?
Make sure the floor is clean, dry, and no objects are in the way.
How can the CNA make Mr. Y feel productive and like he still has purpose?
Engage him in simple, repetitive tasks that are calming and familiar to him, such as folding towels or sorting objects. Avoid complicated tasks.
How can CNA's use mobility aids help Mr. Y?
Remind Mr. Y to use his walker/cane before attempting to stand up or walk. Keep them in easy to reach locations.
What should CNA's do while giving instructions?
Use simple one-step commands, speak clearly, and use physical cues.
How can CNA's promote choice in routine activities?
Allow Mr. Y to make simple choices like choosing between two outfit choices or pick a snack.
Since Mr. Y is awake at night, what can the CNA's do to improve safety?
Install motion sensor lights in hallways and bathrooms to reduce the risk of falls.
How can the CNA use music when Mr. Y feels agitated?
Play familiar music from his youth or calming tunes to boost his mood and make him feel comforted.
What is an example of a realistic strengthening exercise?
Offer activities such as sitting to standing exercises to help improve leg strength and reduce dependence on caregivers.
How can CNA's avoid overstimulating Mr. Y while communicating?
Create a calm, quiet environment when interacting with him to avoid overwhelming him with too much noise or activity.
How can CNA's encourage independent movement?
Allow Mr. Y to move around independently within safe areas of the facility, avoiding restricted or unfamiliar areas.
Since Mr. Y wanders, what environmental modifications can be made?
Designate safe wandering areas that allow Mr. Y to move freely within a secure environment.
If Mr. Y's symptoms progress and he hallucinates a cat in the room, what should the CNA do?
Validation therapy: acknowledge the cat as if it was truly there and redirect the conversation.
How can CNA's promote exercise to help with Mr. Y's mobility and dementia?
Encourage low-impact exercises like chair yoga or stretching with support, to improve his limb and joint flexibility.
How can CNA's understand Mr. Y if he is struggling to communicate?
Be observant of his non-verbal cues (body language, facial expressions) to better understand his needs or discomfort.
How can Mr. Y feel like he has autonomy over his personal care?
Allow Mr. Y to do as much of his self-care as he can without assistance, only stepping in when he needs help. For example, letting him brush his own teeth but assisting with bathing.
Since Mr. Y tends to get up without his assistive devices, what can CNA's do to improve safety?
Implement a chair/bed alarms to alert caregivers if Mr. Y tries to get up.
How can the CNA help trigger positive memories?
Reminiscence therapy: Use photo albums and ask questions. This can help him feel grounded in his past.
What should CNA's do during transfers to maintain mobility?
Offer physical assistance and use gait belts to ensure he moves safely without straining his joints or falling. Falling could further reduce his mobility.
How can CNA's identify changes in Mr. Y's needs?
Create a log and document changes in behavior or communication so staff knows to adjust the care plan.
How can Mr. Y maintain autonomy over his daily schedule?
The CNA can adjust to his personal preferences for when to eat meals, nap, and do certain activities.
Since Mr. Y's dementia makes him forgetful, how can CNA's help him remember things in his environment?
Use clear, large-print labels or photos to identify rooms, closets, and bathroom spaces to help Mr. Y orient himself.
How can CNA's prevent Mr. Y from potentially becoming combative?
Look for early signs of agitation or aggression, and offer distraction techniques like calming music, a walk, or a familiar object to help soothe him.
How can CNA's help with mobility if Mr. Y is laying in bed for an extended period of time?
Readjust Mr. Y and change his position every two hours to avoid pressure ulcers and stiffness.
What should the CNA do if Mr. Y is not responding to her prompts?
Allow Mr. Y the time he needs to respond or process information, and avoid pressuring him to communicate.
How can CNA's use simplified self-help tools?
Give Mr. Y self-help tools that allow him to do his ADL's without help, for example a shoe horn to help him put on his shoes independently.