Dementia Care for Nursing Assistants

Quality of care is essential in all long-term-care facilities and environments, and most especially in the care of dementia patients. Nurse's assistants, often called nurse's aides, spend the most time with patients and provide a majority of hands-on care for them. Learning the best strategies for dealing with dementia patients in a variety of settings ensures confident and competent care for such patients.

Maintain Dignity

• The University of Rochester Medical Center suggests that nursing support staff provide calm and caring approaches to patients with AIDS dementia complex, and this approach translates well to caring for any type of dementia. Treating patients with respect and dignity are the foundations of quality care, as is addressing patients or residents in a respectful manner, consistently being aware of their modesty and needs, and preventing a sense of embarrassment or shame in all areas of care.

Environment

• Providing a calm and peaceful environment will help prevent triggers that agitate or stress patients with dementia. Speaking softly, always identifying yourself and addressing patients by name may help patients remain oriented to the current time and place.

  Providing a clean and clutter-free living space also reduces confusion and enables greater and safer mobility.

Interaction

• When interacting with dementia or Alzheimer's patients, don't rush them to do what you want. Always approach them in a pleasant manner. Many dementia patients react to facial expressions, so avoid frowning or scowling. Wear light-colored clothing when dealing with dementia patients, as many seem confused or frightened of individuals wearing dark clothes, especially black. According to experienced nurse's aides, individuals with dementia equate black areas of clothing or black areas of flooring to black holes, which they often refuse to go near.