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

• 1

  Upon admission, assess each resident. Find out what medications he is taking. Learn his strengths and weaknesses, his relevant background and his present interests.

• 2

  Observe the resident and determine how you can adapt his surroundings to him.

• 3

  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

• 4

  Make sure each resident's physiological needs are being met. These needs include eating and drinking, using the toilet and sleeping.

• 5

  Provide daily personal hygiene in a way that is comfortable and appropriate for the resident.

• 6

  Offer resident appropriate activities throughout the day.

• 7

  Maintain each resident's ability to walk.

• 8

  Reduce agitation and aggression of the residents by having bright inviting areas that are free of excessive noise and clutter.

Training

• 9

  Have continual staff training and discussion, thus avoiding burnout.

• 10

  Involve the families in the best ways to interact with their loved ones.

• 11

  Keep current on the latest developments in Alzheimer's care through the Internet and your local Alzheimer's association.