Interventions for severe agitation in a 67-year-old combat veteran with severe dementia

Abstract

Background:Over 5.4 Million people are diagnosed with a type of Dementia in the United States. Every 68 seconds a new diagnosis occurs. There are over 15 million caregivers supporting loved ones with Dementia. Finding an innovative practical approach to care can be overwhelming. Based the foundational principles of Person Centered Care, this session will provide participants a framework and relational strategies that have a positive impact the care for Alzheimer and dementia clients. An emerging behavioral approach will be described with expected measurable results that can be achieved for the person with Alzheimer’s and the care team. This will be a practical hands on approach to care, allowing participants to have an experiential learning session.Methods: In this single case study family members and care givers were taught specific behavioral approaches to care, with individualized tools targeted at the resident’s life history. The approach was based the foundation of Validation and Reminiscence therapy. Intake questionnaire was holistic in which the family contributed life themes about the resident. These life themes then composed the care card which guided the 24 hour wrap around care. Results: For over18 months the resident experienced a decrease in falls, decrease anxiety as observed by the family and an increase in family contentment. The resident experienced an increase in socialization and engagement. Conclusions: Further study is needed to expand these findings. The care team subjectively stated they had less stress when caring for this individual, yet a systematic study is needed to quantify these statements. In addition, multi-site research is necessary to validate through the specific interventions that there will be a decrease in falls as well as a decrease in anxiety for both the resident and the care team.