PLANNING FOR SUCCESS: A MODEL FOR GUIDING AND SUPPORTING FAMILIES IN LONG-TERM CARE

Abstract

Losing a person loved to Alzheimer's disease or dementia is a very sad, stressful and emotional time for a family. Despite increasing numbers and awareness of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, many families receive little information about the disease process, what to do or what to expect. When care is more than a family can manage they turn to long-term care as the experts to provide that care. Many families lack experience with long-term care and are unaware of what to expect for themselves and those they love. They are often exhausted, defeated, frightened and guilt-ridden. Research and experience has shown that an initial and ongoing family education and support program can ease guilt, improve care, communication and relationships with staff, and overall family satisfaction. This session will share an organization – wide, proactive program designed to inform, enhance knowledge of disease progression, and facilitate communication and incorporate related recommendations from the Alzheimer's Association 2018 Dementia Care Practice Recommendations based on review of current evidence, best practice and expert opinion. This session will address: 1) market research on why/how families make the decision for long-term care; 2) providing dementia education and resources to families in need; 3) addressing preadmission fears and desires; 4) a family-oriented admission process; 5) developing systems for collecting from families and disseminating person-centered information; 6) ongoing mechanisms for communication; 7) a proactive approach for concerns and complaints; 8) effective care conferences; 9) educational and informational family meetings; 10) promoting and encouraging resident, staff and family relationships; 11) Evaluating systems and progress routinely for continuous improvement; and 12) family surveys. This session will offer practical methods for replication, share the research methods as well as the beneficial outcomes for families, residents, staff and facility.