HGNI: Geriatric Mental Health Series - "When You Forget That You Forgot" Recognizing and Managing Alzheimer's Type Dementia Part II
University of Iowa College of Nursing
This program builds on information provided in Part I of the two-part series, focusing on basic interventions that may be used to prevent, reduce and manage behavioral symptoms that may occur in AD and other types of dementia. Interventions based on the PLST model of care are reviewed, along with strategies to promote more effective communication and methods to manage “simple” delusions or time confusion.
This is the fifth module in the Geriatric Mental Health Training Series (GMHTS), a six-part training program designed to be taught as a one-hour educational program for care providers in long-term care settings. The six core topics address common problems faced in LTC settings. Each is designed to help staff be more knowledgeable about the causes of "problem behaviors" and about techniques to manage those troubling behaviors. The care providers' own feelings and behaviors in response to problem behaviors is examined, including the role of values and beliefs, personal needs, and stress in the work place. All modules can be found at: http://www.nursing.uiowa.edu/hartford/nurse/core.htm
Objectives:
- Discuss person-centered care and the importance of avoiding negative labels.
- List 3 very common causes of stress for persons with dementia.
- List 2 assumptions of the PLST model of care.
- Describe 4 basic things that caregivers can do to keep stress at a manageable level for persons with dementia.
- Describe communication methods that can promote comfort and function for persons with dementia.
- Give an example of how to use Validation principles to reduce “You are wrong” messages.
The training materials were designed to be flexible, and strongly encouraged individual trainers to adapt the modules to meet their unique needs and audiences. Throughout the training materials, trainers are urged to personalize the materials by using real-life examples from their facility, try out suggested interventions with residents prior to training staff, and use as many meaningful examples as possible to help staff apply the program concepts in their day-to-day practice.
The Geriatric Mental Health Training Series (GMHTS) was developed and evaluated between 1989 and 1994 with funds from the Division of Nursing, Bureau of Health Professions, Department of Health and Human Services, under the leadership of Kathleen C. Buckwalter, PhD, RN, FAAN, Principal Investigator and current Co-Director of the Iowa HCGNE and Marianne Smith, MS, ARNP, pre-doctoral scholar of the Iowa HCGNE. This highly acclaimed training program is provided in a revised and updated format under the leadership of the HCGNE. Training materials are adapted for broad dissemination and use, and provided at no cost to users.