Essay on unit 40

These four titles consist of four sub headings each, which provide information about the topics and the different developmental stages, examples of effective practice and activities, guidance on planning and resourcing and dealing with diverse needs.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the nerve cells, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and skills, and behavioral changes (America, 2014). This disease now has a huge impact on my own life, and the lives of those who are closest to me. Around the age of 67, my grandma started forgetting things periodically. I can remember her saying, “Where did I put those keys?” “I just had them.” People did not think much of it; they just figured that she was getting older. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Now, three years later, she is living a much different and confusing life then she had in the past. Her independence is fading and she must have someone with her most, if not all of the time. The once independent woman is so lost yet at the same time she doesn’t really realize it. Luckily, the progression is not happening as fast as they thought it could. She definitely has her days, and some are just better than others for her. She does not remember those who weren’t close to her. She does not even recognize acquaintances. Through out her life, she had good health. Besides the usual cold and flu, my mother said that she doesn’t remember her having any other major health issues. Now, with the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, her health has seemed to decline with the passing years. Yes, she is aging, but it seems to be more than that. The fact that she no longer takes good care of herself has a lot to do with it.

The term ‘dementia’ is used to describe a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities. This includes problems with memory loss, thinking speed, mental agility, language, understanding, and judgment. People with dementia can become apathetic or uninterested in their usual activities, and have problems controlling their emotion. They also fine social situation challenging, lose interest in socialising and aspect of their personality may change. The majority of people who are diagnosed with dementia have either Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia, or a combination of the two. (Source 1) As the disease progresses, the person experiencing dementia becomes more vulnerable and their needs often complex; which requires appropriate care and management (Kitwood, 1997).this leads me to the next distinctive feature of patients with dementia.

3. Discuss the political events and sociological factors that made the Classical Period such a time of violent upheaval. (1 point)

NX means that the lymph nodes cannot be assessed (for example, if they were previously removed)

A carer should never get anyone with dementia to do things for their own convenience, as it will make them feel ashamed or

* Working with service users who suffer with dementia means that they can sometimes show signs of or have challenging behaviour that you as their carer will need to deal with. This can occur sudden or grow over a period of time. Either way this sort of thing needs to be reported to other members of staff so they can be aware of how a service user may react or certain situations and also reported to management so they can then deal with it from their relevant position, whether that is speaking to G.Ps or other services. All these incidents need to have relevant paperwork filled out whether it is an incident form, ABC chart etc and then put into the service users file so it can be easily accessed.

Caregivers of a person with Alzheimer’s will be a loved one, spouse, adult child or close companion. Even early stages of Alzheimer’s a person will require 24-hour a day care and will need to be flexible and understanding in dealing with changes in their loved ones behavior and personality. Caregivers would need to be aware of the everyday life of someone with Alzheimer’s. Some areas that they would need to know so that they could better assist their loved ones would be with communication, bathing, dressing, mealtime, and sleeping. As a person progresses more with Alzheimer’s they will more than likely have trouble understanding what is happening and what is expected of them. This can be frustrating to the person and to the caregiver. Another thing that a caregiver would need to be aware of is home and personal safety for the person with Alzheimer’s. This would include keeping floors clear of clutter, securing locks on doors and windows and childproof medication

Dementia is a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and judgment. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients struggle with activities of daily living, such as maintaining a schedule or managing money, managing medications these may be risk for people who live alone or may have to take medication without a provider, driving, preparing food, they may struggle with the simplest things, but, as a family member or provider we can help patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s by having them always do simple things, make them feel that they still can do anything, keep a sense of structure and familiarity, keep consistent daily times for activities such as waking up, mealtimes, bathing, dressing, receiving visitors, and bedtime, try to not move things that they are familiar with.

Dementia is a persistent disease of the brain affecting the ability of brain cells to communicate effectively leading to memory loss, difficulties in thinking, problem solving and language impairment (Ginesi L etal ,2016). According to Evans L and Best C (2015) in an article for the nursing times journal, inadequate food and fluid intake by older patients in acute settings is a growing problem. It is even more prevalent among older patients suffering from dementia (Evans L and Best C, 2015). A report by Champion asserts that dementia patients decline whilst

A lack of understanding can make carers provide the wrong sort of support, some carers might be overprotective and do too much for the individual, some people think dementia is funny and laugh at the individual. Working with people with varying different types and forms of dementias can be stressful but it`s important to remain supportive and understanding of each individual and retain their dignity through each stage and each day without having any adverse effects on their daily living tasks or decisions. You as a carer can influence their decision and choices by being in a bad mood, by showing distaste or distrust for certain people or foods and as such should be in control of your facial expressions and actions. It`s important to understand

Dementia can change a person's personality (Hudson, 2003). They may find it hard to control their emotions and struggle to empathise. They may seem more self-centred, suffer from hallucinations and even make wrong claims or statements. All of these factors make it difficult for relatives and carers to interact with the dementia patient especially when offering very personal care. Dementia reduces a person's ability to live independently and, as the condition progresses, they will increasingly need support and assistance. Their lack of mental capacity makes dementia patients vulnerable to the actions of others (Hudson, 2003). They will require assistance with decisions and gradually lose their autonomy as the dementia progresses, eventually

The environment is important for any individual that is suffering with dementia, we must ensure it is adequately adapted to suit the individual. This may mean that we look at bathing/showering facilities. The layout of the environment, colours and lighting. Often people with dementia do not recognise things due to colour e.g. a white bowl with porridge in, they may think the bowl is empty therefore not eat the porridge.

Communication- Clear verbal and non-verbal communication is vital while assisting aged people. If an individual suffers from dementia, then keep messages simple and short, and provide instructions step by step. If a person has difficulty in finding the right words, just ask broad yes or no questions like, "Does it have to do with lunch?" When offering care, be aware of gestures and non-verbal clue that can be displeasing to the care receiver. Also be watchful to the person's body language when helpinh him. A flinch or grimace can bespeak soreness even if the words say differently.

I think the single most important thing that can be done for people living with dementia is to create a space for them where they feel safe and comfortable. A place they can feel valued and still a part of a community. Many people in the early stages of AD stated they wanted to be where they had no fear of getting lost or hurt. Their surroundings need to help people feel relaxed and give them no reason to be