...UNITS FOR DEMENTIA IN BRITISH COLUMBIA by Annie Murray B.A. St. Thomas University 1998 A PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN THE GERONTOLOGY PROGRAM Annie Murray 2001 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY JUNE 2001 All rights reserved. This work may not be Reproduced in whole or in part, by photocopy Or other means, without the permission of the author. ii APPROVAL Name: Degree: Title of Project: Annie Murray Master of Arts Environmental characteristics and staff ratings of newer and older special care units for dementia in British Columbia Examining Committee: Chair: Dr. Barbara Mitchell _______________________________________________ Dr. Gloria Gutman, Senior Supervisor _______________________________________________ Dr. Kate Oakley, Supervisor _______________________________________________ Dr. Robert Horsfall, External Examiner Date Approved: _______________________________________________ iii Abstract Due to the greater availability of community resources as well as changes in admission policies, seniors are entering care facilities at an older average age and with higher levels of health needs than was the case twenty years ago. The number of dementia cases has also increased dramatically as well as Special Care Units (SCUs) to house persons with dementia. The purpose of this study was twofold. First it described the physical and operational characteristics of a sample of SCUs for dementia currently...
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...There numerous of people suffering from dementia in today's society, and many caretakers to provide the care for the family member or others with dementia. The US rates over seven hundred thousands of caregivers who care for people with dementia. Caregiver’s personal cost and the risk of their own health is at state, individuals who care for people with dementia normally have a high morbidity. Mostly encountering effects are influenced by the caregiver demographic and personal characteristics, resources and support system. Even consideration of the patient's level of impairment, hours caring for them and if a spouse or adult child. Although the caregivers health is not the responsibility of the patient's health, caring for someone is a clinical...
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...affected by Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease, or more accurately, a group of disorders that results in impaired memory, thinking and behaviour. It afflicts approximately 4 million Americans and as many as 15 million people worldwide. Research has also shown that Alzheimer's disease is more prevalent among women than among men, and this prevalence increases with age. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, which is not a disease itself but rather a group of symptoms that involve a loss of intellectual function severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Formerly called senility, dementia was once thought to be a normal and almost inevitable accompaniment of aging. Today many doctors and researchers believe that dementia occurs in the elderly only when they are afflicted with specific diseases or disorders. Some of these disorders include nutritional deficiencies, drug reactions, depression, thyroid disorders, and alcoholism. The dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease cannot be reversed, and this ultimately results in a loss of the ability to care for oneself. The average person with Alzheimer's lives about 8 years beyond the time of the initial diagnosis, with some people living 20 years or more. However...
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...Stimulation in Dementia” discusses an alternative to handling behavioral problems in senior citizen who suffer from dementia. More often than not, older individuals with dementia will experience symptoms often attributed to psychiatric patients. These include anxiety, hostility, wandering, depression, delusions, disrupted sleep, and hallucinations. The most common form of treatment for such symptoms is either institutional care or behavioral treatment. In addition to either of these approaches, however, patients often receive drugs such as antipsychotics or other sedatives in order to alleviate the effects of the dementia. The problem here is that these neuroleptics and similar drugs almost always come with their own respective side effects, including a general decrease in quality of life. One main concern here is that patients who are receiving such drugs to control their symptoms are often the patients who are already experiencing low qualities of life as is because their dementia symptoms are generally so severe. Other recent attempts at treatment include snoezelen, which is another name for controlled multisensory stimulation, where patients are exposed to a soothing and stimulating environment. In this environment, they will receive varied sensory stimulation in the forms of fiber optic lighting effects, color, sounds, music, or smells. The light treatment and aromatherapy have emerged as the two most promising approaches among these in the treatment of dementia. In fact...
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...Dementia is progressive deterioration in intellectual function and other cognitive skills, leading to a decline in the ability to perform activities of daily living. Diagnosis is by history and physical examination. Potentially reversible causes of cognitive impairment (e.g., drugs, delirium, and depression) should be excluded. Treatment is with general measures and usually a cholinesterase inhibitor, memantine, or both (Lichtenberg, et al., 2003). The term 'dementia' is used to describe the symptoms of cognitive decline and normal sensorium that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke and many other rarer conditions. Dementia is not a disease itself but rather a group of symptoms that may accompany certain diseases or conditions. At this time, dementia is irreversible when caused by disease or injury but may be reversible when caused by drugs, alcohol, hormone or vitamin imbalances, or depression. The symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, confusion, and problems with speech and understanding. There is also the loss of intellectual functions (such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning) of sufficient severity to interfere with a person’s daily functioning. Symptoms may also include changes in personality, mood, and behavior. Dementia is also progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse. Each person is unique and will experience dementia in their own way, including how fast...
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...Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most frequent causes of dementia (weak-mindedness) at elderly and senile age. Dementia is characterized by the expressed decline of intellectual functions of the person with ability disorders of surrounding conditions and independent actions. The disease is called by the name of A. Alzheimer, who described this form of illness in 1906. In the absence of treatment the disease steadily progresses and leads to the destruction of all mental functions. The etiologies of Alzheimer’s disease are not finally found out. There is a lot of data, testifying to the hereditary nature of the disease. However, there are the cases not caused by the hereditary predisposition, especially at later onset of the disease. Alzheimer’s disease can begin after the age of 50, but more often arises after 70 and especially after 80. Alzheimer’s disease is the disease connected with the destruction of brain cells and leading to a heavy frustration of memory, intelligence, other cognitive functions, and also to serious problems in emotional and behavioral spheres. “Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It now afflicts nearly 4 million Americans. These numbers are expected to increase dramatically as the U.S. population ages. By the year 2050 approximately 14.5 million people will suffer from Alzheimer’s disease” (Handy: 1998) Alzheimer’s disease is insidious and develops gradually. It affects not old and full of strength people. The first signs of disease...
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...Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most frequent causes of dementia (weak-mindedness) at elderly and senile age. Dementia is characterized by the expressed decline of intellectual functions of the person with ability disorders of surrounding conditions and independent actions. The disease is called by the name of A. Alzheimer, who described this form of illness in 1906. In the absence of treatment the disease steadily progresses and leads to the destruction of all mental functions. The etiologies of Alzheimer’s disease are not finally found out. There is a lot of data, testifying to the hereditary nature of the disease. However, there are the cases not caused by the hereditary predisposition, especially at later onset of the disease. Alzheimer’s disease can begin after the age of 50, but more often arises after 70 and especially after 80. Alzheimer’s disease is the disease connected with the destruction of brain cells and leading to a heavy frustration of memory, intelligence, other cognitive functions, and also to serious problems in emotional and behavioral spheres. “Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It now afflicts nearly 4 million Americans. These numbers are expected to increase dramatically as the U.S. population ages. By the year 2050 approximately 14.5 million people will suffer from Alzheimer’s disease” (Handy: 1998) Alzheimer’s disease is insidious and develops gradually. It affects not old and full of strength people. The first signs of disease...
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...CLINICAL ISSUES Acute care management of older people with dementia: a qualitative perspective Wendy Moyle, Sally Borbasi, Marianne Wallis, Rachel Olorenshaw and Natalie Gracia Aim and objectives. This Australian study explored management for older people with dementia in an acute hospital setting. Background. As the population ages, increasing numbers of older people with dementia are placed into an acute care hospital to manage a condition other than dementia. These people require special care that takes into account the unique needs of confused older people. Current nursing and medical literature provides some direction in relation to best practice management; however, few studies have examined this management from the perspective of hospital staff. Design. A descriptive qualitative approach was used. Method. Data were collected using semi-structured audio-taped interviews with a cross section of thirteen staff that worked in acute medical or surgical wards in a large South East Queensland, Australia Hospital. Results. Analysis of data revealed five subthemes with the overarching theme being paradoxical care, in that an inconsistent approach to care emphasised safety at the expense of well-being and dignity. A risk management approach was used rather than one that incorporated injury prevention as one facet of an overall strategy. Conclusion. Using untrained staff to sit and observe people with dementia as a risk management strategy does not encourage an evidence-based approach...
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...Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most frequent causes of dementia (weak-mindedness) at elderly and senile age. Dementia is characterized by the expressed decline of intellectual functions of the person with ability disorders of surrounding conditions and independent actions. The disease is called by the name of A. Alzheimer, who described this form of illness in 1906. In the absence of treatment the disease steadily progresses and leads to the destruction of all mental functions. The etiologies of Alzheimer’s disease are not finally found out. There is a lot of data, testifying to the hereditary nature of the disease. However, there are the cases not caused by the hereditary predisposition, especially at later onset of the disease. Alzheimer’s disease can begin after the age of 50, but more often arises after 70 and especially after 80. Alzheimer’s disease is the disease connected with the destruction of brain cells and leading to a heavy frustration of memory, intelligence, other cognitive functions, and also to serious problems in emotional and behavioral spheres. “Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It now afflicts nearly 4 million Americans. These numbers are expected to increase dramatically as the U.S. population ages. By the year 2050 approximately 14.5 million people will suffer from Alzheimer’s disease” (Handy: 1998) Alzheimer’s disease is insidious and develops gradually. It affects not old and full of strength people. The first signs of disease...
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...41 Dementia is seen in 5% of population over the age of 65 and about 30% after the age of 80. Dementia represents, after cancer and cardiac vascular disorders, the third most common cause of death. It is defined as a condition of chronic and progressive loss of intellectual abilities that is severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning. Dementia refers to acquired global impairment of intellect, memory and personality (cognitive function) and is not a disease itself but rather a group of symptoms caused by the impact of diseased brain. It is usually chronic and progressive in nature and symptoms typically include problems with memory, speech and perception with disturbances of multiple higher cortical...
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...how humanistic psychology can be applied as a treatment for Alzheimer patients and how Maslow’s hierarchy of does needs contribute in treating patients suffering from AD. Introduction to Alzheimer’s disease What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer is connected with psychological issue, fundamentally memory issues with dynamic thinking, it has numerous other clinical, behavioural, and enthusiastic attributes which influences both those agony from the illness and additionally their parental figures. (cited by Dr Guy Proulx,2015) What is dementia? Dementia is the side effects including the decay of subjective capacities with coming about changes in practices that meddle in the capacity to work autonomously in ordinary life. Dementia is the indications of Alzheimer’s ailment. (cited by Dr Guy Proulx,2015) Alzheimer's disease is not just an ailment of perception. It includes behavioural and mental issues. Truth be told, capricious desire, neurosis, sound-related pipedreams, shouting, and unsettling are all components of the dementia, in Alzheimer's ailment. (cited by Dr Guy...
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...this assignment are to critique and analyse the older person with dementia. The author will explore the pathophysiological process of ageing underpinning skeletal and cognitive decline, with an emphasis on discrimination and a focus on ageism, mental illness and the support of the National Service Framework (NSF) in combating this pandemic. A further investigation into the nurse’s role will be analysed along with the process of assessing and caring for an elderly patient with dementia. Aveyard (2001) and Adams et al (1999) both state that it is increasingly difficult to find an acceptable working definition for dementia. However, Mosby’s Dictionary (2002) defines dementia as a progressive organic mental disorder characterized by chronic personality disintegration, confusion, disorientation, and stupor, deterioration of intellectual capacity and function, and impairment of control of memory, judgement and impulses. Dementia is encompassed by multiple cognitive deficits; the author will now explore the pathophysiological aspect of the brain encompassed by the ageing process and its influence on the older person. The author is aware that there are many contributory factors for cognitive decline for example genetic factors, where there is a family history of, infection, chemical and chromosome damage. It should also be noted that there are many forms of brain disorders that share the same characteristics as dementia, for example Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, however the...
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...edu.au Ethical Issues arising from the Real Time Tracking and Monitoring of People Using GPS-based Location Services Abstract The Global Positioning System is a constellation of 24 satellites which have the ability to calculate the position, time and velocity of any GPS receiver. Ethical concerns arise when a person carrying a receiver has their location transmitted to second party. This type of tracking has a wide variety of applications including tracking dementia sufferers, tracking parolees and law enforcement. A literature review found that the ethics of GPS tracking has not been thoroughly assessed. This paper investigates the ethical issues arising from the real time tracking of people using GPS-based location services. Usability context analysis and an observational study were the methodology used in this study. Usability context analysis provided insight into GPS tracking over the contexts of care, control and convenience. Its current applications could be seen in the tracking of Alzheimer’s patients, parents tracking children, law enforcement, parolee and sex offenders, terrorist tracking, employee monitoring and...
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...comes to my patients. I can remember a particular patient that was living at an independent senior living facility and she had a gun. It was myself and the CNA doing our visit with her and she begins to tell us that she has a gun. She pulls a gun from her drawer to show us and then proceeds to another drawer where she had a second gun. In her drawer was a pack of 100 bullets. The patient stated that she needed to protect herself from the man next door. This particular patient had a history of wandering through the building late at night with hammers and knives. She always said she was looking for the man that kidnapped her niece and tied her up next door. The apartment next door was vacant and no one was in there. I had to make an ethical decision not only for the safety of the patient but also the other residents. I took the necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone by talking to the family, social worker, chaplain, our medical director/physician, and my clinical director. We collaborated together and decided that the guns needed to be removed from her possession. This of course upset the patient and she began making threats to the residents in the building. Long story short, the patient was removed from the independent living facility and placed in a nursing home. Consequentialism was one of the theories that supported my decision because the consequences of her being in possession of a firearm could’ve ended bad. She was suffering from early onset dementia and was not...
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...a position to defend themselves any longer, feeling as if they are ‘no match’ for their abuser. Much elderly abuse comes at the hands of family members (Phelan, 2010). The elderly may not seek help as they may fear retaliation by the abuser or they may simply not know who to turn to for help. In addition, as the elderly patient advances in age, there is a possibility of Alzheimer’s or dementia affecting their judgment and recall. They may not remember the abuse from day to day or have difficulty verbalizing abuse. Other factors that may impede the victim from speaking out are shame and fear that the abuse won’t be kept confidential or be investigated once reported (Caple & Schub, 2011). For family dealing with the care of an elderly family member, the lines between abuse and dispute are blurred. Consider also, the frustration of a family member dealing with an elderly relative who suffers from dementia or Alzheimer’s. The behaviors that come with those illnesses can be enough to set a family member over the edge as they deal with wandering, repetitious habits, forgetfulness, etc. An untrained layperson/caregiver and an elderly patient in an unprotected environment can be a recipe for disaster. It is not unreasonable to understand how the caregiver could just simply snap. Education for the caregiver as to resources, daycare, respite care or residential facilities, can be a true lifesaver for all involved. I have a personal experience in dealing with the...
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