How to Improve the Care in Facilities for Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's, a progressive mind-robbing disease, eventually takes away a person's ability to care for himself. Many of these people live in nursing homes and assisted living facilities with a special Alzheimer's unit. These persons are open to harmful health practices and a poor quality of life. It is up to the staff and administration of such a facility to provide appropriate care for each person residing there. Assuring high quality care for these residents is possible with a complete and continual assessment of each person, a thorough understanding of this disease and knowledge on the latest research for improving care.
Instructions
Assessment
Upon admission, assess each resident. Find out what medications he is taking. Learn his strengths and weaknesses, his relevant background and his present interests.
Observe the resident and determine how you can adapt his surroundings to him.
Continue with a plan of care for each resident that is current and accurate. One should be done every three months or sooner if the resident's condition changes.
Maximize Quality of Life
Make sure each resident's physiological needs are being met. These needs include eating and drinking, using the toilet and sleeping.
Provide daily personal hygiene in a way that is comfortable and appropriate for the resident.
Offer resident appropriate activities throughout the day.
Maintain each resident's ability to walk.
Reduce agitation and aggression of the residents by having bright inviting areas that are free of excessive noise and clutter.
Training
Have continual staff training and discussion, thus avoiding burnout.
Involve the families in the best ways to interact with their loved ones.
Keep current on the latest developments in Alzheimer's care through the Internet and your local Alzheimer's association.