Clients with dementia may have times when they remember places or events. Rather than discourage or destroy their memories, validate them by asking them to tell you what they recall. Don't worry if it doesn't make sense to you. Support with comments like, "That sounds lovely." or ""I can understand why you miss your home." Often the client is not really asking to go home, but to have their memories and life recognized.
Depression-related behaviors among residents include withdrawal and activity avoidance. Inform the nurse if their symptoms persist for more than a week. Even if the resident isn't actively participating, encourage them to sit in a communal area. To prevent them from being cut off from communication, make sure they have their glasses and hearing aids. Staff should also encourage individuals who are depressed to communicate their feelings. Utilize active listening while speaking kindly when answering. According to studies, depressed persons recall spoken words less clearly than voice tones.
Social rewards, such as praise and attention, are meaningful to everyone. When using praise to reinforce positive behavior and accomplishments, be specific and sincere. Tell the client what you liked. "I'm glad you went to the wood working class this morning." "Thank you for trying the zucchini at lunch today." Use praise for behaviors and skills the client is able to change.
Anxiety can cause a client to seem demanding and rude. Don't get angry or impatient, and pay attention to your body language. Do not ignore an anxious client, but work directly with them. Offering choices can help Mrs. Lee feel less dependent. Ask her opinion about her schedule. You can even address her behavior: "Mrs. Lee, you seem anxious. What can we do to make you feel better?"
When a client becomes confused, try to figure out the cause. It can often be a change of routine, care giver, or a sudden memory. Start with basic reasons for the confusion. Has their schedule been changed? Is there a change in staff? Are they wearing their glasses or hearing aids? Perhaps the client saw an object or someone that reminded them of the past. A good technique is to spend time with the client reviewing familiar things and people. Look at objects and photos to reassure them and help them calm down.
If you discover that a client needs a specific diet, let the nurse know. If the diet is not stated upon admission, the nurse might get an order and get in touch with the dietician. Religion, health issues, and food allergies are a few justifications for special diets.
Having sex is just one method to show one's sexuality. People are shaped by their cultural, religious, and self-perception beliefs. In all partnerships, sexuality grows. It encompasses our appearance, clothing, gait, grin, laughter, and tears. Our sexuality evolves throughout our entire lives.
Empathy is the ability to understand what another person is feeling or experiencing. Once you can imagine their situation, you know how to help them. Empathy also requires that we look at others without labels or bias. Active listening is an important skill for being empathetic. It helps us "hear" the emotions behind the words.
Giving care is physically and mentally taxing. While the patient is receiving care at a facility, respite care allows the patient's family and carers to take a brief break. A few days, a weekend, or during the day are all possible options for respite care. It might also happen at the patient's house.
Notify the nurse if you learn that a client requires a special diet. The diet should be specified on admission, but if not, the nurse can obtain an order and contact the dietician. Reasons for special diets include religion, medical conditions, and food allergies.
If a client is demanding, show them that you care by asking what they need or what will make them feel better. Their behavior is not directed at you, but can be a sign of anxiety, loneliness, or fear. Take time to learn more about the client; this may help you understand what is behind the behavior. Stay positive and focus on giving excellent care.
Following the death of a loved one, grief is a natural reaction that allows a person to work through their loss. Initial grief can hurt physically, with a tight throat, headaches, insomnia, aches, and weakness. Offer the resident soft, comforting foods such as soup or pudding, but don't push them to eat. They may also need to be alone for awhile, but do not leave them isolated. Visit their room and ask how they are doing. Let them talk and cry without judgment or interference. Watch for signs of depression and report them to the nurse.
When a client becomes confused, try to figure out the cause. It can often be a change of routine, care giver, or a sudden memory. Start with basic reasons for the confusion. Has their schedule been changed? Is there a change in staff? Are they wearing their glasses or hearing aids? Perhaps the client saw an object or someone that reminded them of the past. A good technique is to spend time with the client reviewing familiar things and people. Look at objects and photos to reassure them and help them calm down.
The five stages of grief and dying are a model that explain the emotional response to death. Both the client and the client's loved ones can experience these emotions. The stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The stages are not linear; most people move back and forth. Acceptance is the final stage, when the client reflects on their life and understands that it is ending.
Suicide watch is an ongoing monitoring process meant to prevent the client from hurting or killing themselves. The client is placed in a special room with nothing on the walls or ceiling. There may only be a mattress on the floor. Any object that could be used to commit suicide are removed. This includes, glass, razors, belts, shoelaces, and bed sheets. The room may have a video monitor. The client is checked at least every 15 minutes by a qualified staff member.
Culture is the knowledge and all the characteristics of a group that are shared by a group. It includes behavior, language, religion, food, etiquette, holidays, symbols, art, dancing, and music. Even possessions that are passed down are part of the culture is shared by communication and imitation from one generation to the next.
