Question

Case study

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.

Question

1. What are some things that Niles should consider when planning activities to enhance George’s self-esteem?

2. What are some activities that Elizabeth could use to distract George from the behavioural symptoms of his dementia?

3. What are some ways that Niles could individualise George’s activities to meet his specific needs?

4. What are five potential risks or dangers to George, due to his dementia, when he participates in activities?

Answer 1

1.Some of the things which can be done to enhance George's self esteem are

• Plan a schedule for daily activities and prepare him to adhere to it routinely which can make him do his needs by self worth or we without help
• Try to get suggestions from the patient
• Appreciation of the patient can improve self esteem
• Communicate in the way the patient easily understands
• Physical activities can be introduced because this can improve the brain function and make patient to regain or recall thoughts to an extent but improves the physiological effects
• Mind activities can enhance memory function

2.Some of the activities which can be used to distract him from behavioural symptoms are

• Provide a calm environment
• Reassure the patient that she is their for support
• Try to move the patient from the area ,exposure to new area or environment can easily divert dementia patients

3.Some of the ways which Niles could do to individualize George's activities to meet specific needs are

• Routine work or fixed work
• Provide simple task to be completed which improves focus
• Encourage to do activities like gardening ,simple hobbies to divert self

4.The potential risk due to dementia are

• Physical Injury
• Accidents die to loss of memory
• Can trigger anxiety or aggression if not appreciated or mocked at
• Exhaustion due to exercise if over done due to forgetfulness