Problem Solving Strategies in Dementia Care

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Every 68 seconds another American develops Alzheimer's disease. Education and training in dementia care strategies for health care staff has been identified as a priority by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease (NPAAD) developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has set as a goal enhanced care quality and efficiency for the Alzheimer’s and dementia population. High-quality care should be provided from the point of diagnosis onward in settings including doctor’s offices, hospitals, people’s homes and nursing homes. Care quality should be measured accurately and coupled with quality improvement tools. This instructional CEU online course has been designed for nurses, activity therapists, nursing assistants and other healthcare staff who are or may be caring for patients with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Knowledge of dementia is critical for providing the specialized care that this disease requires. Therefore, education related specifically to the various dementias is critical for effective care for this population.

Objectives

1. List 4 ways to minimize anxiety with caring for people with Dementia.
2. List 4 strategies for problem-solving in Dementia care.
3. Describe how to prevent assualtive behavior.
4. Describe why antidepressant medication and falls is a concern.
5. List two methods for helping families cope with dementia. 

Curriculum

Chapter 1: Dementia Problem Solving Strategies for Caregivers

• Understand the Problem
• Devise and Implement a Plan
• Evaluate and Revise the Plan

Chapter 2: Intervention for Affective Disturbances

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sleep Disturbances

Chapter 3: Special Problems

• Agitation and Aggressive Behavior
• Yelling and Screaming
• Wandering
• Delirium
• Antidepressant Medication and Falls
• Sundowning

Chapter 4: Managing Caregiver Stress

• Stress and Memory
• Helping Families Cope
• Caring for the Caregiver

Chapter 5: Resources