Question

1. Why are people who have dementia at higher risk of harm than people who don’t have memory loss?

2. Refer to case study 3 to answer the following question: What are some ways that Niles can give George choices and independence through routine activities of daily living?

Case study 3

Elizabeth is a carer for her close friend George, who has Frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Elizabeth and George met through the bowls club 15 years ago and have had an ongoing friendship ever since. George lives just around the corner from Elizabeth so she is able to pop in and do things to help George out. Initially it started out with just a meal here or there, or helping with the banking or a little cleaning, but lately George has needed more and more help to the point where Elizabeth feels like she has no time for anything else.

George really wants to stay at home and can be quite abusive towards Elizabeth whenever she tries to talk about his future care needs. Sometimes she can still have a short conversation with him but at other times he doesn’t remember who she is anymore.

George has recently started to need more physical help with showering and dressing. Elizabeth is able to discuss the need for increased support with George and he agrees to let her arrange for some help. Now Niles, a support worker, comes and helps George shower three days a week. Niles is also eager to support Elizabeth and helps set up activities to allow George to remain independent and socially engaged.

Answer 1

1. People who have dementia are at higher risk of harm than people who don't have memory loss because they loss memory , have deteriorating language and cognitive ability and other mental functions which would result in falls , infections , pressure ulcers , DVR , seizures etc .

2. Some of the ways by which Niles can give George choices and independence through routine activities of daily living are :-

- By making availability of grab bars in order to bath independently .

- Making availability of comb and brushes with build up handles in order to comb hair independently .

- Making availability of grab bars in the washrooms so that they can go to toilet independently .