DEMENTIA WORDS TO KNOW END OF LIFE DISEASE & DISABILITY Understand Behaviors 100 100 100 100 100 200 200 200 200 200 300 300 300 300 300 400 400 400 400 400 500 500 500 500 500
Know the person’s history and triggers, validate their feelings, show them you care, stay calm
What are strategies to help with redirecting behaviors?
Abnormal deposits of plaque and tangles in the brain
What causes Alzheimer’s dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia
What are the two most common types of dementia?
Keep them warm, cover shoulders with a towel, be organized, sing to distract
What are strategies to help with bathing challenges?
Pacing, repetitive behavior, rummaging, delusions, agitation, catastrophic reaction
What are common behaviors associated with dementia?
Treatments that do not prolong life but promote comfort
What is supportive or palliative care?
Acknowledging the other person’s reality instead of your own
What is validation therapy?
Hair loss
What is alopecia?
Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance
What are the stages of grief?
Blood pressure drops, body temperature increases, skin is clammy, decrease of urine output, incontinence
What are common signs as death approaches?
Stiffening of the muscles that happens 2-4 hours after death
What is Rigor Mortis?
Examination of the persons organs after death
What is an autopsy?
Constipation, confusion, lethargy
What are common side effects of narcotic pain medication?
A living will, a power of attorney for health care, a will
What are advanced directives?
Care during the last 6 months of life that focuses on comfort and quality.
What is hospice care?
A developmental disability that a person was born with
What is congenital?
A developmental disability that happened after birth
What is acquired?
Sensation continues over time even though healing may have taken place
What is chronic pain?
Alopecia, stomatitis, depression, anorexia, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
What are common side effects of cancer treatment?
Temporary confusion that gets better with treatment of underlying problem
What is delirium?
Break down tasks to simple steps, don’t rush, encourage self care, communicate you care, avoid over-stimulation
What are some strategies to use to minimize dementia behaviors?
Story telling, old photos, music from their era
What are examples of ways you can use reminiscence therapy?
Lack of empathy, negative attitudes, bad health habits
What are signs of possible caregiver burnout?
Increasing confusion later in the day and evening.
What is sundowning?
Use finger food, check for pocketing, hold utensil with the resident to help begin, make it a social activity,
What are some strategies to help with dementia care at mealtime?