Dementia Case Study

Care of a Confused Client

Introduction

Dementia is the umbrella term given to the various disorders that cause damage to the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the main type of dementia and accounts for more than 50% of all cases. The other main types of dementia are Vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia and Fronto-Temporal dementia.

Early signs of dementia are forgetfulness, problems performing tasks that were previously done with ease and confusion with time and dates. As the disease progresses, the person can have difficulty with communication and everyday tasks such as getting dressed and using the bathroom. They have difficulty recognising people in the later stages and may have problems with eating and swallowing.

Dementia is mainly

It may be just necessary to have toiletries at hand so the client can be encouraged to use them. The client should be allowed to express sexuality and individuality by their choice of clothes, hair style, jewellery make-up etc.

The client may need gentle reminders for eating and drinking in the later stages of dementia as they become more forgetful. They can also refuse to eat their food simply because they find it hard to use a knife and fork, finger foods can be introduced which would help maintain their independence.

The aims of elimination are to promote continence. The client could be taken on regularly timed visits to the bathroom to reduce accidents and they should be encouraged to take plenty of fluids to avoid constipation. Velcro fasteners can replace zips or buttons to undo clothes easier.

To assist with sleeping the client’s routine for day and night should be kept as normal as possible. The room should not be too hot and their sleepwear comfortable. The bed and pillow should suit their needs.

Death and dying: The aim for the final days of a client’s life is for them to have their wishes and hopefully promote a peaceful death (R.L.T.2013)

Promote the rights of the client to dignity, privacy, independence, positive self