What is CDAMS (Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service) West Gippsland Healthcare Group.

What is the Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS)? u A diagnostic clinic for people with memory and thinking problems of all age groups u Assessment at home by a specialist nurse u Clinic visit to see a specialist doctor u May need to see more than one…geriatrician, neuropsychologist, psychiatrist. u Feedback meeting u Provide linkages and referrals to mainstream services.

Where can you find us? u Bawbawshire through –West Gippsland Healthcare Group : u Catchment area is Bawbawshire, South Gippsland and Bass Coast u Latrobe Valley through-Latrobe Regional Hospital : u Catchment area is Latrobe, Wellingtonshire and East Gippsland. u If a client/health care professional prefers one clinic for a valid reason this can be negotiated.

How to refer to CDAMS u Ask the GP to refer – the GP will do some preliminary testing u Self referral or referral from a family member with client’s permission u Another service can refer with client’s consent. u CDAMS prefers to work with the GP who can provide follow up or with an agency that can liaise with the GP.

Why come to CDAMS? u Early diagnosis helps with planning & quality of life u There are many reasons for memory problems u Some memory problems are reversible u There may be medication available to help u Diagnosis helps with understanding changes u Support and information may be available

What causes thinking problems? u Depression u Delirium u Some pathology problems/physical illness u Multiple Sclerosis u A form of Motor Neurone disease u Anxiety and stress u Vascular cognitive impairment u Dementia

Different forms of Dementia u Alzheimer's Disease u Vascular dementia u Fronto-temporal dementia u Alcohol related dementia u Lewy Body dementia u And others

Falls and Dementia u When a client is accepted into the CDAMS program at intake we ask about falls risk for all clients over 50 years old: -Have you had a fall in the last 12 months ? -If so did this fall cause an injury ? If there have been falls and injuries (however minor ) caused then alternate referrals are suggested to client/carer i.e. physio or at LRH falls clinic.  At the initial home assessment falls risk is also discussed  Feedback provided to GP/Referrer is client is a falls risk.

Potential causes of falls….. u Dementia u Polypharmacy u Depression u Delirium u Neurological disorders u Medical conditions u Reduced vision and hearing u Poor fitting footwear

Planning ahead u Enduring Power of Attorney/Wills u Driving Assessment and planning for not driving u Accessing extra services to remain at home u Looking at respite/residential care options

And finally …… u A diagnosis of Dementia can be devastating to the client and their family, so providing as much information as possible is essential to better understanding and accessing care.

Any Questions? u Please contact: u Audra Fenton RN/CMHN. M.Nurs.Community Health Manager on or