Comprehensive Care for the Older Adult: Moderate Dementia

Presented by Carol O. Long

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Video Runtime: 55 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 26 Minutes

Moderate dementia is a period characterized by increasing challenges for the patient to maintain control and independence while ensuring safety at home. This course will identify key information and best practices for home healthcare professionals in meeting the needs of patients with moderate and mid-stage dementia. Symptoms of moderate dementia will be presented, as well as ways to manage progressive decline and functional changes. Additionally, person-centered care techniques and long-term planning strategies for patients and families will be discussed.

Meet your instructor

Carol O. Long

Dr. Long is a known expert in geriatric palliative and community-based health care, nationally and internationally. She has been a registered nurse for over 40 years holding various staff, management, education, and consultant positions. She has authored numerous articles, book chapters, abstracts, and monographs related to…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Moderate/Mid-Stage Dementia: Progressive Decline - Part One

1. Moderate/Mid-Stage Dementia: Progressive Decline - Part One

Patients with moderate dementia at home face increasing challenges related to functional ability, communication, and daily stressors. In this chapter, characteristics of decline in moderate/mid-stage Alzheimer’s Disease will be compared to other stages. Cognitive staging exams and staging tools for expected decline in Alzheimer’s Disease will be discussed. Evolving changes in memory, language, mood, and functional loss will be reviewed.

Moderate/Mid-Stage Dementia: Progressive Decline - Part Two

2. Moderate/Mid-Stage Dementia: Progressive Decline - Part Two

This chapter will present the common symptoms moderate/mid-stage dementia. Preventative care techniques and ways to manage comorbidities will be discussed. Additionally, expected outcomes and setting realistic expectations for treatment plans will be reviewed.

Managing Functional Challenges

3. Managing Functional Challenges

This chapter will discuss ways to manage behavioral and functional challenges. The concept of ‘excess disability’ will be presented in regards to behavioral strategies. Functional change and support areas will be examined, including fatigue, minimizing change, reducing distressing sensory input, and monitoring for delirium.

Education and Planning

4. Education and Planning

In this chapter, education and support methods will be identified. Long-term planning for patients, including legal and financial concerns, healthcare decisions, and utilizing resources for help, will be discussed. In addition, lifestyle and pleasant events, as well as loss and grief interventions, will be presented.