Geriatric Care Management For Dementia Patients
If your elderly loved one lives alone and is becoming increasingly confused or agitated, it may mean that they are in the beginning stages of dementia. While temporary confusion and mood changes can be caused by urinary tract infections, unstable blood sugar levels, and side effects from certain medications, significant behavior changes need to be evaluated by the person's primary care physician.
If their doctor determines that the senior is showing signs of dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease, then they may recommend that you hire an in-home caregiver or consider an assisted living facility. Your loved one can benefit from both of these options because geriatric care management interventions will be implemented to help the senior live safer and cope better with their cognitive deficits.
Promoting More Independence
Your loved one's geriatric care management team will meet the needs of the individual, however, they will also try and help the senior become more independent. This not only gives the individual a sense of purpose, but it can also distract them from becoming anxious and agitated. Promoting more independence can also encourage the aging adult to exercise more, which can help with mobility, flexibility, pain relief, and even promote self-confidence.
If the elderly individual has forgotten how to complete simple tasks such as brushing their hair, washing their face, or putting on their shoes, the geriatric care management team will give them verbal cues and guidance so that, eventually, your loved one may be able to do these things independently.
Monitoring Changes In Health Status
Dementia can cause a number of physiological changes in the elderly population. This can cause drastic changes in appetite which can lead to significant weight loss and nutrition deficiencies. In addition, medications used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease can cause gastrointestinal upset which can cause loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea.
The geriatric care management team will monitor your loved one's health status to watch for weight loss, increasing confusion, and signs of depression such as crying and becoming more socially isolated. If any changes in the individual's health or well-being are noticed, the senior care management staff will notify both your and your loved one's primary care doctor.
To learn more about how a geriatric care management team can help your loved one with dementia, talk to the physician or contact an admissions coordinator at an assisted living facility. Once you have the information you need, you can then choose the best option for you and your family.
For more info about geriatric care management, contact a local company.
