Alzheimer's Nursing Care Plan

The emotional and physical toll of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be overwhelming. In order to cope with the demands involved in the aftermath of this diagnosis, families deserve a clear nursing care plan that consists of meaningful interventions within each situational. In addition to these important details, such directives require an outcome goal to describe the effects each program objective will engender for the patient. Proper following of the care plan will require a clear means by which to evaluate its effectiveness and will be discussed at the conclusion of this plan outline. In treating Alzheimer's patients, the global outcome goal is to develop a daily routine that engages them with the world around so that they can live as fully as possible until the conclusion of their life.

If the family chooses to place their loved one in an assisted living organization or nursing home, they have a right to make an informed decision based on veritable information. Factors to consider include the policies implemented at each facility: do units allow for patients with mental illness to mix with Alzheimer's patients (Russell, Benedictis, Saison, 2014, p. 4)? The results could be harmful. Also, families should verify a healthy living environment that is clean and spacious with ample staffing (5 to 1 in the day, 9 to 1 in the night) (Russell et al., 2014, p. 4). As the condition of Alzheimer's patients worsens, proper engagement procedures are essential; families should check to make sure nurses have the proper training to implement Alzheimer's-related care (Russell et al., 2014, p. 4). Finally, nursing care plans should contain provisions to assist in promoting activities to keep patients engaged in life with meaningful interpersonal communication (Russell et al., 2014, p. 4). By confirming these qualities in a senior living facility, families can make sure their loved ones receive the outcome of effective nursing care.

As nurses operate on the principle of respect for human dignity, their professional activities should engender similar attitudes in those whose lives they impact. As mental capacities diminish, opportunities for misunderstanding in communication increase dramatically. Family members can mitigate these situations by avoiding patronizing attitudes, slang, sarcasm, and irony as they can easily upset the patient (Russell et al., 2014, p. 2–3). Also, avoid prompting a patient's short-term memory; such a question may embarrass the patient (Russell et al., 2014, p. 2–3). Speak slowly and call the patient by name after identifying oneself to confirm clear comprehension (Russell et al., 2014, p. 2–3). Finally, do not be surprised if repeating words becomes necessary (Russell et al., 2014, p. 2–3). Through respect and understanding, families can achieve a positive living environment outcome and meaningful care plan for their loved ones.

Nursing diagnoses supply clinical evaluations in response to life process issues. One of the most important diagnoses addresses the approach of the end of life care itself. At this point, the family may be encouraged to consider several issues. The Alzheimer Society of Canada suggests four medical issues to be considered and discussed. First, if the family does not want to engage in CPR if the patient stops breathing, a "do not resuscitate" order should be completed; secondly, if the patient stops eating, the family should understand the benefits and drawbacks caused by the physical imposition of a feeding tube; often, IVs are attached to patients to keep them hydrated, but the dying process is often more comfortably played out over a process of slow dehydration; finally, families must consider that antibiotics can serve well for common infection without meaningfully improving the patient's overall condition (O'Keefe, 2011, p. 37–38). These four interventions need to be understood by the family to make a decision that respects personal and cultural preferences with an outcome goal and care plan that lends serenity to the patient's final moments.

References

O'Keefe, J. L. (2011, January 1). Guidelines for care: Person-centred care of people with dementia living in care homes. Alzheimer Society of Canada. Retrieved from http://www. alzheimer.ca/~/media/Files/national/Culture-change/culture_change_framework_e.ashx

Russell, D., Benedictis, T., & Saison, J. (2014, January 1). Dementia & Alzheimer's care. HelpGuide-A Trusted Non-Profit Resource. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/ elder/alzheimers_disease_dementias_caring_caregivers.htm