Alzheimer's Disease Care Plan

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder in which the nerve cells of the brain are destroyed and the brain substance shrinks. It is a severe disorder of cognition and widespread brain atrophy that is receiving increase attention. The disease is the most common form of dementia (disorder of the mental processes) which, over a period of years, leads to a gradual decline in all areas of personal, mental, and intellectual ability. This accounts for memory loss, the disease’s primary feature.

The course of the disease is different for each individual but may last for 2-20 years (the average being 5-10 years), and is not part of the normal aging process.
A person who has Alzheimer’s disease and their significant others need a lot of support to safely manage the person at home for as long as possible.

Here are some guidelines for the care of a person with Alzheimer’s disease:

Stabilizing Environment:

• Establish definite routines for care, patterned after home care if possible
• Give explanation of care
• Provide person with list of things to do and give specific times
• Display familiar objects from home such as pictures of significant others
• A calendar and a clock should be in the room to keep the person oriented
• Label articles,door to bathroom, etc.

Hygiene and Dressing:

• Encourage independence
• Assist and supervise only when necessary,i.e., baths or showers
• · Suggest clothing that slips on easily; avoid zippers, buttons, and ties
• · Label clothing, drawers, personal items.

Meals and nutrition

• Allow person to select food
• Observe for difficulty swallowing
• Avoid hot foods. Cut solid foods. Cut solid foods, such as meat, into small portions. Finger foods or those that require little hand coordination may encourage better eating.
• Suggest supplements if nutrition intake is inadequate.

Sleep and Rest

• Allow to rest and sleep at will; expect irregular patterns. Things that may facilitate rest and sleep include food, warm baths, or exercise prior to bedtime.
• Mild tranquilizers and hypnotics may help, but use cautiously.
• Expect some agitation from some medications.

Exercise and Activity

• Allow enough space for safe walking activities
• Encourage walks with an attendant
• Provide passive exercise for those confined to bed

Elimination

• Monitor intake and output record
• Encourage fluids, fiber in the diet, and exercise to avoid constipation
• Label urinals and bathroom door
• Expect confused people to use any convenient container or the floor for elimination purposes

Medications

• Avoid large capsules or pills
• Observe that medications are taken and swallowed without difficulty
• Crush pills or order liquid preparation
• Observe for reaction or effectiveness
• Do not leave medications at bedside

Love and Belonging

• Person may withdraw and become isolated early in disease
• Although person may not be able to express feelings, he/she usually can respond to touch and kindness
• Many continue sexual activities until late stage of disease.

Source : http://www.nursingcares.com