Dementia and Ageing for senior living in long term care

Dementia and aging covered along with challenging behaviors

1. Dementia and Aging

2. Aging/ Dementia simulation 2

3. Background noise 3

4. Simulation Discussion 4

5. Dementia

6. Why learn about dementia?

7. Dementia is a condition characterized by progressive or persistent loss of intellectual functioning, especially with impairment of memory and abstract thinking, and often with personality change, resulting from organic disease of the brain. 7

8. First signs of dementia Signs of Alzheimer's and Dementia Typical Age-Related Changes Poor judgment and decision-making Making a bad decision once in a while Inability to manage a budget Missing a monthly payment Losing track of the date or the season Forgetting which day it is and remembering it later Difficulty having a conversation Sometimes forgetting which word to use Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them Losing things from time to time

9. Dementia- the classic symptoms Memory loss Speech issues Decline in functional abilities Emotional issues -Difficult to make new memories -Often revert to old memories -Eventually have trouble identifying objects -Issues carrying a conversation -Difficulty understanding speech -Difficulty finding words -Cannot perform basic cares -Cannot follow multi-step directions -Agitation and frustration can be common -Overstimulation creates distress -Discomfort signifies unmet needs 11

10. How do we care for people with dementia? 12

11. Person Centered Care Person centered care is truly putting the PERSON first Characteristics Behaviors are a desire to communicate We must maintain and uphold the value of the person Promote positive health All action is meaningful Adapt health care to meet the resident’s needs Allow for choice

12. For early stages of dementia Try to keep a routine. Help the person write down to-do lists, appointments, and events in a notebook or calendar. Plan activities that the person enjoys and try to do them at the same time each day. Encourage self care and independence. Encourage exercise. Be gentle and respectful. Help find words and items when they have difficulty Reorient as able

13. Treat them like you would like to be treated! 15

14. Verbal and Non-verbal Communication Verbal Tone Pitch Rate Pause Non-verbal Gestures Facial expressions Posture Each person is unique Communication is only 10% verbal People with dementia maintain the ability to understand non-verbal long after verbal is forgotten

15. Non-verbal Strategies Your mood will be mirrored Approach from the front Make eye contact Speak at eye level Use gentle touch Point or demonstrate

16. Focus on the needs 18

17. Meet the Resident where they are 19

18. Interventions for Agitation and aggression Get ready Be proactive Positive approach Control the environment Intervene early Be calm Speak softly Approach slowly from the front Avoid Startling the resident Arguing Do this Distract the person Substitute Get at eye level Identify the unmet need Say “tell me about it” 20

19. 10 steps to de-escalation 21

20. Always

21. Let’s Try it!