Assignment 50 Enable Rights And Choices Of Individuals With Dementia Whilst Minimising Risks

We know that a combination of lack of public and professional awareness, late diagnosis, negative media images, myths, stereotypes and negative experiences all contribute to a general fear of dementia. Individuals and carers can be supported to overcome their fears. There are many ways that individuals and careers can be supported is by gaining information and advice from going online, reading book’s/ leaflets, discussing the issue with other family members.

The development of a dementia environment approach will highly impact the improvement of life of people living with dementia involving their family and carers, evidently reducing the stigma linked with the condition. The need to physically and socially design an approach for the progressing ageing population, and better comprehension of the issues affecting the dementia suffering elderly. Life Community Village is a specially designed and self-contained village for dementia-affected people imitating a normal daily life. It visions a change of approach in dementia care in the future and cope with the growing number of issues of dementia in the ageing population. Its mission on the other hand, is focused on delivering a holistic and person-centric approach by leading and optimizing a normal life for dementia-suffering elderly. Also providing a dementia-friendly community and creating a society that the dementia-suffering person can engage in. In the current increasing population of older Australians, there is over a million that has received a form of aged care support and services every year. This is provided through the collaboration of funding and administration of the local, state and federal government. Meanwhile, according to Australian statistics, there are more than 353,800 who are living with dementia. In less than five years, it is projected to rise to 400,000; and due to the fact that there is currently no cure for the condition, and with the

Dementia often includes symptoms such as memory loss, trouble doing normal everyday activities, and problem solving. Once the symptoms come, they will most likely stay. They will only become worse and worse over time, so it’s necessary to try and come to terms with the disease. Caregivers can try to make the person affected as comfortable as possible as their body is slowly transitioning. Because there is a loss of blood flow to the brain, signals that are necessary in order to keep the body functioning properly eventually stop being sent. The muscles will stop being sent signals to move, and sometimes the signal to breathe can even be stopped.

Key legislation that relates to the fulfilment of rights and choices and also minimises the risk of harm to an individual with dementia is:

Individuals with dementia have loss of communication or memory so they can be treated unfairly by carers or relatives because they may not have the capacity to challenge abuses or to report what has occurred. For example they can use offensive or insulting language.

It is important to identify individual’s specific and unique needs so that they can receive the best care possible. Taking a person centred approach is vital, treating a service user as an individual person and acknowledge that

Even diet or illness can affect their abilities or needs. One day a person with dementia will remember, and be quite able, to complete certain tasks but then may be incapable another. This is not their choice it is because the brain is a very complex organ and the chemical changes vary from person to person. The information is still in the memory but the neurotransmitters are able to send messages one day but maybe not the next. If an individual has a water infection they may be more confused and their needs go up whilst their abilities go down. Medication may produce more hallucinations or tremors therefore once again their needs are increased.

and risk. People with dementia can have mood swings and there personality can even change altogether. As carers we need to set boundaries to keep a person safe without infringing on a there rights, which can be difficult, especially in the advanced stages of dementia but there are some effective techniques to aid.

1 UNDERSTAND KEY LEGISLATION AND AGREED WAYS OF WORKING THAT SUPPORT THE FULFILMENT OF RIGHTS AND CHOICES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEMENTIA WHILE MINIMISING RISK OF HARM

Dementia does not only impact the people with symptoms and it also disturbs the people who must care for the person. It is estimated that 1.2 million people are involved in the care of people with dementia. It has a financial burden on the Australian economy $4.9 billion in 2009-10. (1)

3.4 Explain how an individual with dementia can be enabled to exercise their rights and choices even when a decision has not been deemed to be in their best interests.

Early diagnosis helps a person and their family prepare, they may want to learn about what they about to face increase awareness of dementia, its implications and Integrated Care Pathway. They would be able to look at benefit and legal implication such any benefits entitlements and power of attorney. The person and their family would

Health and social care professionals should always seek valid consent from people with dementia. This should entail informing the person of options, and checking that he or she understands, that there is no coercion and that he or she continues to consent over time. If the person lacks the capacity to make a decision, the provisions of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 must be followed.

The main motives include providing more knowledge and understanding of dementia and also its effect on behaviour as well as it progression rate. Provide carers with an impressive understanding of available local support services and how they can be accessed. It also aims at assisting in surpassing the shock relating to an initial diagnosis of dementia as well as ways to maximize life and well-being.

Example service users with dementia should be giving choice by making them participate in their own care, because they have memory loss they depend on their family and health care workers. To promote their independence they should be given the choice to participate in their own care and activity, care homes should have outdoor activity for service users with dementia so they do not become isolated. And their family members should have access to information and courses to help them participate with their love once