Transcript The Challenge of Dementia - Conference of Religious of Ireland

The
Challenge of
Dementia
Jackie O’Toole RPN, MSc (dementia)
Overview
– The objective of my presentation is to
reflect on the complexities of dementia
through these considerations:
– Information around dementia
– Best practice in dementia care
– What is needed to provide a personcentred approach in this area
Information
– Over past five years have we become more informed about
dementia
– We have listened to the individual on a dementia journey
and learned about his/her lived experience
– We have gained a greater understanding about the workings
of the brain
– We realise that the ‘personhood’ (or essence) of the person
remains
– We know that individuals on a dementia journey retain
human capabilities; the ability to feel emotions, to make
choices and to live a wonderful quality of life
The Human Brain
– We know that the brain has two hemispheres
– Each hemisphere contains 5 lobes
– Each with differing functions
– Currently there are 150-200 different forms of
dementia with Alzheimer’s Disease being the
most common form.
– The clinical presentation of the differing
dementia is caused by the damage to the
particular area of the brain.
What is Alzheimer’sdisease
Dementia in Ireland
Irish National Dementia
Strategy
– Better Awareness and Understanding
– Timely diagnosis and intervention
– Education and training for GPs
– Guidance around medication management
– Education around modifiable lifestyle risk factors
– Integrated services, supports and care for PWD
– Training and Education
– Leadership
Independent and Assisted Living
– Retaining independence for as long as
possible
– Suitable housing for assisted living
– Adaptations within current residential setting:
signage, re-arrangement of furniture, removal
of hazards
– Appropriate use of assistive technology
Assistive Technology –
atdementia.org.uk
Prompting
Leisure
– Date and Time
– Computer aids
– Item Locator
– TV, Radio
– Medication reminder
– Books, Photographs
– Voice Reminder
– Reminiscence items
– Signs and Notices
– Games
– Activity Assessment
and activity guides
Assistive Technology –
atdementia.org.uk
Communication
Safety
– Intercoms
– Personal alarms
– Telephones
– Pressure mats and
cushions
– Other
communication aids
– Monitors that measure
gas, smoke, lighting,
temperature, flood
– Fall and wandering
detectors
Living in Own Community
Dementia Friendly Ireland
Best Practice in
Dementia
What do we need to do?
Kitwood-Psychological Needs
Ref: Dementia Reconsidered 1997
Best practice
– Early diagnosis
– Medication
– Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
– Maintaining life pattern
– Continuance of past hobbies and interests for as long as
possible
– Supportive and empowering relationships
– Communication –no contradicting, correcting or lengthy
questions
– Understanding around behaviour as form of communication
What is needed?
– Recognition of the value of human life
– Recognition of retained abilities rather than
emphasis on deficits
– Gathering of Individual’s life-story material
– Acceptance of clinical presentation from those
living around us
– Vital for individual to feel respected
– Opportunities to live a wonderful quality of life
What is needed?
– Supportive care from home-care providers
– Respite care – day centres, short residential stays
– Care for the carers
– Sharing of the care
– Contact GP, PHN if you are concerned about failing
memory
– Contact with the voluntary agencies;
– www.alzheimer.ie
– www.familycarers.ie
What is needed?
– Appropriate residential care when time is
right
– Residential care that caters for spiritual
needs
– Suitable activities and stimulation
– Continuity of connection with religious
community