Dementia and the symptoms
True or False?: Almost everyone living with Dementia has the same symptoms.
False
True or False? : Saying, "Do you remember?" is a good way to help residents recall memories.
False, avoid quizzing questions when working with residents with dementia
“What doctor’s appointment? There’s nothing wrong with me.”
Don’t: (reason) “You’ve been seeing the doctor every three months for the last two years. It’s written on the calendar and I told you about it yesterday and this morning.”
DO: (short explanation) “It’s just a regular checkup.”
(accept blame) “I’m sorry if I forgot to tell you.”
Whats one way we engage residents through food service in Memory care?
Examples: show plates, clean and simple table settings, calm music, conversation and sitting with the residents, offering options
Name something that would be important to someone to have in their daily routine upon moving into a memory care community?
Examples: coffee, a certain bedtime, specific snacks, specific care products, personal cares, time walking or outside
Which of the following is one of the earliest signs of dementia?
a.) headahes
b.) disorientation of place and time
c.) loss of appetite
d.) skin rashes
disorientation of place and time
When working with people living with dementia, where should you be in reference to them?
Directly in front of them, within their field of vision, down at their eye level
“Joe hasn’t called for a long time. I hope he’s okay.”
Don’t: (remind) “Joe called yesterday and you talked with him for 15 minutes.”
Do:
DO: (reassure) “You really like talking with him don’t you?”
(distract) “Let’s call him when we get back from our walk.”
What does resident led conversation mean? How can we use photos with this?
Resident Led conversation is when we allow something like a photo to get the resident engaged and sharing. For example, a photo of a dog playing in the grass may prompt the resident to talk about memories with their pet, what they like about being outside, or many other things. We follow the flow of what a resident is wanting to talk about, and help prompt more conversation.
What is the benefit of creating a daily schedule or routine for a person with dementia?
a) It helps reduce anxiety and confusion by providing structure
b) It allows for spontaneity and flexibility in the person's day
c) It prevents boredom by encouraging new activities
d) It increases the risk of frustration due to inflexibility
It helps reduce anxiety and confusion by providing structure
1. Which of the following sets of symptoms is most commonly associated with the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, a type of dementia?
a) Sudden, severe mood swings, and hallucinations
b) Difficulty remembering recent conversations or events, and confusion about the location of familiar places
c) Impulsive behavior, aggressive outbursts, and extreme hyperactivity
d) Decreased interest in socializing, and a sudden preference for routine or repetitive actions
b) Difficulty remembering recent conversations or events, and confusion about the location of familiar places.
This is characteristic of the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. People with Alzheimer's often experience problems with short-term memory, such as forgetting recent conversations, events, or appointments, and may become disoriented or confused about places they once knew well.
How can cueing signs be useful when dealing with memory loss in those living with dementia?
example: They can be reminders of when a family member will visit, or can help point them to answers when questions become repetitive. They can also help establish routines, help with ADL's or help with safety (ie: Need help? Push you pendant.")
"Hello, Mary. I see you’ve brought a friend with you.”
Don’t: (question memory) “Hi Mom. You remember Eric, don’t you? What did you do today?”
DO:
DO: (short explanation) “Hi Mom. You look wonderful! This is Eric. We work together.”
What is the most important factor when choosing an activity for a resident with dementia?
a) The activity must be complex and challenging
b) The activity should match the person’s abilities and interests
c) The activity should require minimal supervision
d) The activity should be as long as possible
b.) the activity should match a persons ability and interest
Which of the following is a useful tip for supporting someone with dementia during mealtime?
a) Keep mealtimes quick and rushed to reduce confusion
b) Offer a variety of flavors and textures to keep them engaged
c) Minimize conversation to avoid distractions
d) Allow the person to eat alone to maintain independence
b) Offer a variety of flavors and textures to keep them engaged
What is the most common type of dementia?
Alzheimer's Disease
If a person living with dementia is unable to communicate verbally, what is a helpful alternative?
Example: Encourage non-verbal communication through touch, gestures, facial expressions, and more.
Don't: Give any visiting family member information on a resident/s
Do: Direct them to the Director or Nursing or Assistant Director of Nursing, explain that you are unable to give information, but point them in a direction.
Do: Check for who is the POA
Explain a way in which your body language can effect what you are saying to a resident? or How can we engage them using our body language?
Example of poor body language: arms crossed, frown, and asking them to take a shower
example: when they approach, turn to them with a smile and calm demeanor and engage in conversation
example: showing off the show plates in an exciting manor, with clear eye contact and speech
How can we help establish a shower routine that is inviting and feels safe for residents?
example: get supplies all prepared before shower, find a self care the resident enjoys to start the process (warm washcloth, brushing hair, etc.), ask families if they know of anything they love/prefer for soaps, shampoos, and have them supply it.
What kind of term is "dementia"? What does it mean?
An Umbrella term or general term. This means that underneath the umbrella term "Dementia" there are many different types such as Alzheimers, Parkinson's, Fronto temporal, post-stroke dementia, etc. These types are defined by specific symptoms.
How long should you wait for a response from someone with Dementia when asking a question?
20 seconds
“I don’t want to eat this! I hate chicken."
Don’t: (respond negatively) “You just told me you wanted chicken. I’m not making you anything else, so you better eat it!”
Do: (accept blame) “I’m so sorry, I forgot. I was in such a rush that it slipped my mind.
(respond positively) Let me see what else we have available.” Leave the room and try again.
or "Have you tried it with ranch?"
What is an example of an activity that engages the senses (smell, taste, sight, touch, sound)?
examples: baking, books with photos, calm music/songs from their youth, fidget blankets/fidgets, essential oils, spa day, art, walking and talking arm and arm, taste testing different cookies
How can we foster independence when helping with daily routines?
Examples: Allowing them time to respond, cueing signs, not doing everything for them, praising their efforts, encouraging what they can do over emphasizing what they cant do. Using signage on doors, and within their rooms.