Dementia Patient Care Plan - Assignment Example

 Contents Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Recommendations and Interventions 3 Resource Attainment Plan 4 Client Strengths 5 Potential Barriers 5 Conclusion 6 References 8 Appendix 10 Abstract This paper entails a client care plan that involves the disbursement of information concerning Dementia for Peter* and suggestions for diagnosis. It is important for Peter and Maria* to be aware that dementia is a condition characterized by the development of difficulties in remembering, reasoning, and judgement. People with the problem develop memory loss and added difficulties in other areas such as recognition of familiar surroundings, writing or speaking coherently, and performing or planning multiple tasks. Such conditions have to be severe to an extent that they interfere with the daily activities and independence of an individual. Different diseases that directly affect the brain can lead to the development of dementia, with the major cause being Alzheimer disease. As much as scientists have not identified the exact reasons behind and process that individuals develop Alzheimer disease, it is evident that it results from the death of neurons (nerve cells) in the brain (Lu & Bludau, 2011). It is evident that a type of protein referred to as beta amyloid and protein fibre masses form deposits within the brain of individuals with the disease. Introduction Peter* is an 86-year-old Navajo of American-Indian background. He lives with Maria*, his 80-year-old wife, in a ranch on the outskirts of Alaska. The couple solely depends on Peter’s retirement benefits that are not enough to cater for their needs. The government’s health insurance is limited; hence, the family’s expenses majorly lies on Peter’s healthcare. The couple never had children, and has to be independent at old age. However, Peter cut-off his drinking habits after attending rehabilitation. In his hey days, he was a professional footballer right before he retired from football and joined the media as a sports reporter. During his football career, Peter was admitted to hospital for concussion and a brain contusion after continuous complaints of losing balance and having blurred vision. Peter has faced ten driving under the influence (DUI) charges that led to him losing his driving license and attending a rehabilitation centre. Peter’s wife has osteoporosis and is weak, an aspect that has made it difficult for her to take care of her husband. Peter has reported cases of increased confusion and forgetfulness. For example, he stated that he often looks for something when he is holding it in the hand, and forgets names of close people and places. Such occurrences have increased concerns for Peter that he could be developing Alzheimer’s disease. Peter and his wife are interested in obtaining information concerning dementia, and are concerned whether it is appropriate for Peter to seek diagnosis for the disease. Recommendations and Interventions Peter has multiple risk factors for dementia, considering his old age. One of the possible factors that increase his possibility of contracting dementia is the previous history as an alcoholic. In addition, Peter’s history of brain injuries during his football career forms another risk factor for the development of dementia. There is an increased link between traumatic brain injury and increased protein abnormalities in the brain such as the beta-amyloid protein, associated with Alzheimer disease (Willis, et al., 2009). As much as he may be experiencing some of the early symptoms associated with dementia, it is important that he knows that such information fails to offer details of the warning signs. It would be prudent that he finds other information sources. The patient care plan ought to include the diagnosis of Alzheimer to ascertain or rule out the disease and to develop a framework for management of his condition. The diagnosis of dementia is lengthy, difficult, and intensive. As much as there may be variations between different patients, the care plan should present to the patient all the support they require in determining their condition; hence, managing it. The objectives of Peter’s care plan include a prompt and thorough assessment conducted by health professionals; proper communication of the determined diagnosis; adequate information on the choices that ought to be made for future purposes; involvement in decision-making; and sufficient access to services and support. Resource Attainment Plan Peter will be exposed to psychological evaluation to identify any memory or reasoning problems. As such, results could be used to assess progress after a pre-determined period. Peter will be required to state the date, copy a diagram, and name common objects in the initial stage. However, as much as some individuals may perform above average in such screening tests, it is important to consider comprehensive tests for in-depth evaluation. In this case, various recommendations will be offered on where to seek diagnosis to allow Peter to make a decision. This would include visiting the General Practitioner (GP) who would use the patient’s history and results from brief tests to determine any possibilities of dementia (Fight Alzheimer's, 2014). The patient could also visit different specialists such as geriatricians, neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, and psychiatrists, who have more knowledge concerning issues of behaviour and memory changes related to dementia. Such individuals could also arrange for or perform detailed assessments, blood tests, and brain scans. Another option for Peter is the Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) that involve multi-disciplinary teams comprising of occupational therapists, social workers, doctors, and nurses based in community health centres or hospitals such as the Alaska Native Medical Centre (Australian Government, 2012; Alaska Native Medical Center , 2015). On the other hand, Peter could visit Memory clinics and meet specialists who diagnose and offer services to different types of dementia such as the Alaska Neuro Associates LLC (Cherry & Macomber, 2015). Client Strengths Peter has retirement benefits, in addition to the Medicare coverage offered by the government that would ensure that he affords quality healthcare, enhancing the diagnosis. In addition, Peter has a positive attitude towards the health care system. This allows him to attain enough knowledge concerning the disease and the health care plan. In addition, it promotes compliance with the care plan with increased anticipation of positive results. Potential Barriers One of the prospective barriers to implementing the care plan is the lack of family support. Peter would face a hard time implementing all the requirements of the care plan since he lacks someone to offer care at home considering his wife’s age. This barrier can be overcome by referring Peter to community support groups that will help him through counselling and general social support. In addition, Peter’s financial status is a barrier towards obtaining quality care. The couple needs to enrol at an elderly care centre, where they can be taken care for in terms of ensuring proper nutrition, hygiene, and general health. He can apply a senior care financial program such as the Alaska Adult Day Care Services (ADS) program that would offer cheaper non-profit payment options (The American Elder Care Research Organization, 2015). Another barrier involves Peter’s perceived stigma regarding dementia, unavailability of treatment, and general fear concerning the future. The health care providers working with him can adequately manage this through proper counselling and support. Impacts of Culture or Religion on the Recommendations Peter, being and Navajo, comes from a cultural background that upholds beliefs most of which may affect implementation of the care process. One of the cultural beliefs of concern is that an illness is an opportunity for one to purify their soul (Salimbene, 2000). This may interfere with his involvement in the diagnosis and treatment. On the other hand, the Navajos believe that an illness is natural and is a punishment for breaching of societal taboos. This may develop fear within the patient; hence, interfering with compliance of the care plan in the view that the patient accepts the punishment. In addition, the disease is believed to be resulting from witchcraft and sorcery. Such an aspect may divert the patient’s attention towards spiritual healing or counter-witchcraft and away from the care plan’s provisions (Salimbene, 2000). Conclusion It is evident that Alzheimer disease is a critical condition that requires timely diagnosis and management. Through proper and early diagnosis, a dementia patient receives assistance in understanding and adjusting to the diagnosis. Early diagnosis allows timely checking of the concerns of dementia, some of which are reversible upon early treatment. For instance, Alzheimer’s medication has proven to be effective when administered during the early stages of the disease; hence, facilitating a lifestyle management. The diagnosis of dementia is important in facilitating management of any other symptoms that may occur because of the disease. As such, the patient care plan is important in ensuring that the patient is well equipped with adequate information concerning dementia to facilitate proper management of the disease. It is also important in identifying and countering any barriers that may prevent the patient from fully participating in the care plan. References Alaska Native Medical Center . (2015). Alaska's best care and personal services. Retrieved April 11, 2015, from http://www.anmc.org/ Alaska Native Medical Center, 4315 Diplomacy Dr. Anchorage, AK 99508 198550 482-4382 Australian Government. (2012). How Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) Can Help You. Retrieved April 11, 2015, from http://www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Services/AgedCare_AssessmentTeams/Info-Sheet-01-SEPT12.pdf Cherry, R., & Macomber, H. (2015). Alaska Neuro Associates LLC. Retrieved April 11, 2015, from http://www.alaskaneuro.com/ Alaska Neuro Associates LLC. 4241 B St., Ste. 202 Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 277-0100 Fight Alzheimer's. (2014). Early Diagnosis of Dimentia. Retrieved April 11, 2015, from https://fightdementia.org.au/about-dementia-and-memory-loss/am-i-at-risk/diagnosing-dementia/early-diagnosis-of-dementia Lu, L. C., & Bludau, J. H. (2011). Alzheimer's Disease. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO. The American Elder Care Research Organization. (2015). Alaska Adult Day Care Services (ADS) Program. Retrieved April 11, 2015, from http://www.payingforseniorcare.com/longtermcare/resources/ak-adult-day-services.html The American Elder Care Research Organization 736 Cole Street, San Francisco, California 94117 Tel: 641-715-3900 Ext. 606151# Salimbene, S. (2000). What Language Does Your Patient Hurt In?: A Practical Guide to Culturally Competent Care. Amherst, MA.: Diversity Resources, Inc. Willis, R., Chan, J., Murray, J., Matthews, D., & Banerjee, S. (2009). People with dementia and their family carers' satisfaction with a memory service: A qualitative evaluation generating quality indicators for dementia care. Journal of Mental Health, 18(1), 26-37. Appendix Peter and Maria* are hypothetical names. Dementia- decline in mental ability Care plan- an agreement between a patient and a health care professional towards the management of health. Read More