Key Components of Effective Dementia Care Plans
Dementia is an unfortunate medical condition that affects many people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, around 55 million people worldwide have dementia. It can be challenging for the affected individual's loved one to provide them with comprehensive care.
Loved ones need to create a dementia care plan. Unfortunately, planning for dementia can be overwhelming and stressful. These feelings become more pronounced as the person's dementia symptoms worsen over time.
This blog will discuss the basics of creating care plans for dementia patients. We'll talk about what information needs to be included in the plans and when you should reevaluate your plan to ensure your loved one is receiving exceptional care.
Key Elements to Include in a Dementia Care Plan
An effective dementia care plan addresses more than daily needs. The best way to ensure every aspect of the person's health is addressed is by exploring the individual. You need to look at the world from their point of view and the life they lived before they developed dementia.
Personal History
Exploring the individual's personal history can provide you with valuable insights. You can discover pointers about how to manage their:
- Wishes
- Needs
- Preferences
- Behaviors
- Ways to connect with them
There may be certain events and times in their life might elicit strong emotions. Caregivers can build on happy moments while avoiding experiences that elicit negative emotions. You can also learn some of the following information while looking into the senior's personal history:
- Skills
- Activities
- Hobbies
- Interests
This information is useful because you can learn about their passions, encouraging them to pursue them.
Cognitive Functions and Memory
Forgetfulness is a common sign of aging and a typical symptom of dementia. However, every dementia diagnosis is different. A person's cognitive function will be affected according to some of the following criteria:
- Type of dementia
- The degree to which it has progressed
- Areas of the brain that have been affected
Other parts of the body can change due to dementia. These can include:
- Hearing
- Sight
- Speech
- Understanding muscle control, problem-solving, etc.
Assessing a person's cognitive function is an essential component of an effective dementia treatment plan. Incorporating these elements into the plan allows the caregivers to tailor and adapt their level of care according to the individual's abilities and needs.
Wellbeing and Physical Health
Controlling the other ailments the person may be dealing with, in addition to maintaining their physical health, is another important dementia care plan component. Some of the aspects that should be considered and included in the plan:
- Continence
- Pain management
- Exercise and mobility
- Healthy diet
Everyday Surroundings
The living environment in which the individual with dementia live is essential to their continued independence. It also contributes to their security and safety.
This component focuses on eliminating or minimizing safety risks and physical barriers. It also evaluates how everyday stimuli and surroundings may affect their behavior or mood. It also explores what improvements can be made to improve their quality of life.
Personality
Our personalities play a huge role in how we interpret and approach life. To be on the same wavelength as the affected person, caregivers need to look at the following things:
- An in-depth look at the person's personality
- The way they were before they were diagnosed
- How they are now
A person's personality will determine how they cope with and respond to their condition. Some individuals might be introverted and need more reassurance and emotional support. Others may be extroverted and tackle their problems head-on.
Whatever their personality may be, knowing how they tick will help carers build a more effective and tailored dementia care plan.
Planning During the Early Stages
Most people can function independently when they're in the early stages of their diagnosis. They may be able to continue doing many activities, including:
- Attending social events
- Volunteering
- Driving
- Bathing and dressing
It may be confusing knowing how to support your loved one during this stage. They may still be able to perform simple daily tasks, but more complex ones might be challenging. In addition to getting started on a dementia care plan, you can provide support in the following ways:
- Emotional support
- Organizational assistance
- Conduct safety assessments
Planning During the Middle Stages
Modifying your dementia care plan as your loved one ages and progresses with their condition becomes even more important during the middle stages. Symptoms during the middle parts of dementia worsen as the brain cells encounter more damage. Some of the activities they may need assistance with include:
- Daily care needs
- Difficult mental health and emotional conditions
- Managing challenging behaviors
- Following conversations and expressing thoughts
- Practicing safe hygiene
- Driving
This is also the point where you may consider moving your loved one in a memory care community. The caregivers in these communities can provide extra support to ensure the safety and health of your loved one.
Planning During the Later Stages
Seniors in the later stages of dementia require 24-hour supervision and assistance. It's no longer safe to leave them unattended and living alone. Your loved one may have difficulties with some of the following tasks:
- Swallowing or eating
- Expressing their thoughts or speaking
- Walking
- More vulnerable to illness
That's why working with an experienced memory care community and creating an in-depth dementia care plan is essential. You'll ensure that by the time your loved one gets to this stage, they're living in a safe community surrounded by continual support.
Get Help Creating a Dementia Care Plan
Drafting a dementia care plan is not something you can undertake on your own. It's important to partner with experienced healthcare professionals that have effective dementia care strategies. They can work with you and your loved one, providing reassurance and ensuring your family is on the right path forward.
At Addington Place of Lee's Summit, we work with our residents and their loved ones to create dementia caregiving guides. Our memory care community is designed to give our residents a safe spot to live while feeling supported. Contact us to discover more dementia care tips and to request a tour of our community.