Urgent-- client teaching Alzheimer's???

Altra, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2005

It's sometimes helpful to "think small" and focus on what can be accomplished in one clinical day. With this patient, it's probably going to have to be something related to ADLs ... is there a skill that this patient is still able to do with assistance - hygiene, etc.? I might pick a specific skill such as dressing, brushing/combing hair, or even using the call button correctly.

It might sound minimal, but for this patient, things like medication teaching are probably not realistic. A self-care skill can be demonstrated by example, return demonstrated, and the outcome can be measured/observed.

HTH :)

jenrninmi, MSN, RN · Jan 11, 2005

It's sometimes helpful to "think small" and focus on what can be accomplished in one clinical day. With this patient, it's probably going to have to be something related to ADLs ... is there a skill that this patient is still able to do with assistance - hygiene, etc.? I might pick a specific skill such as dressing, brushing/combing hair, or even using the call button correctly.
It might sound minimal, but for this patient, things like medication teaching are probably not realistic. A self-care skill can be demonstrated by example, return demonstrated, and the outcome can be measured/observed.
HTH :)

I agree.

akcarmean, LPN · Jan 11, 2005

my grandmother is at the end stages and sometimes she even needs help to eat. somedays she will eat well by herself and other days she has to be feed. Work on small and simple things. To us it might seem useless but to them it would be a MAJOR goal for the day.

Angie

Cubby · Jan 11, 2005

This is not education, but there is NOTHING that you can teach an end-stage Alzheimers patient. The best you can do for these poor souls is to keep them comfortable and clean. If you have to do any teaching it might be best to direct the teaching for the family members. There is usually a lot of information they do not have-such as the decreasing need for fluids/food, if they are still able to eat then maybe something about body alignment to decrease aspiration risks, spiritual needs (For the family). But trust me I have worked more than 30 years with this population and the only teaching you will be able to do is with the family or direct care staff. Good luck.

baby_nurse_jenna · Jan 11, 2005

We have to put something down (client directed).. my pt is completely total care, cannot do anything for self.... I think I'll use the call button thing, maybe I can at least try

JJ

abundantjoy07, RN · Jan 11, 2005

For clients with Alzheimers or any type of dementia reality orientation and validation therapy is important. Reality orientation brings this disoriented person back to the "here and now." Validation Therapy stresses the importance of "going with the person" to their reality to better understand what they are experiencing. Look in your books for more info on this.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2005

How narrowly do you define "the client"? In a similar pediatric experience, the client would include teaching the mother/father/caregiver. Using the same rationale, might not the caregivers/family be considered the client too with the Alzheimer's patient?

abundantjoy07, RN · Jan 12, 2005

This is true...the client can also be the family and caregivers. However for nursing students we generally make care plans that focus on the care of the person that we are treating.

How narrowly do you define "the client"? In a similar pediatric experience, the client would include teaching the mother/father/caregiver. Using the same rationale, might not the caregivers/family be considered the client too with the Alzheimer's patient?