Decreasing Refusals in Patients With Dementia (Recorded Webinar)
Presented by Adria Thompson
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Nonfinancial: Adria Thompson has no competing nonfinancial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from standard MedBridge courses.
When a person with dementia refuses, resists, or rejects care, it places those caring for them in a tough position. Without necessary care, a person with dementia could be at risk for neglect. Physical, occupational, and speech therapists should be concerned about their patients with dementia’s refusing basic medical care as much as their refusing to participate in therapy. Decreasing refusals is important, not to increase caseload or bill more services, but to increase the quality of life and independence of individuals with all types and in all stages of dementia. Therapists are perhaps the most qualified medical professionals to train all other care partners in how to provide care in a way that will increase compliance and participation. This webinar is applicable to any therapist who provides services to individuals with dementia. The course will begin with a discussion on limitations of consent, with an in-depth look at the impact of cognitive deficits and neuropsychiatric symptoms on decision-making. Next, application of the concepts of person-centered care to clinical practice will be explored. Finally, extended time will be spent on practical, real-life strategies and approaches that can be implemented today.
Meet your instructor
Adria Thompson
Adria Thompson is a speech language pathologist (SLP), dementia educator, and owner of Be Light Care Consulting. She graduated summa cum laude from Eastern Kentucky University with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Communication Disorders. Since graduation, her continuing education coursework has been primarily in the area…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. What Is a Refusal of Care, and What Is a Therapist’s Role?
When a person with dementia refuses, resists, or rejects care, what role does a therapist have in trying to change their mind? How do we determine if they are making an informed decision? In this chapter, we will define refusal, discuss competency and consent, and lay down the foundation of a therapist’s role in providing unwanted care.
2. Why Do Individuals With Dementia Refuse Care?
Cognitive impairments and neuropsychiatric symptoms caused by dementia play a huge role in why individuals refuse care. We can form expectations and anticipate refusals by gaining a better understanding of the different types and stages of dementia. This information can help therapists decrease the frequency of refusals.
3. Applying Principles of Person-Centered Care in Therapy With Individuals With Dementia
Evidence shows that refusals can be decreased by increasing independence and decreasing agitation, and therapists are in a unique position to assist the care team in this effort. They should collaborate with other care staff to implement principles of person-centered care by modeling and training utilization of personally relevant information and contextual training.
4. Practically, What Is It Like to Decrease Refusals of Individuals With Dementia During Therapy?
How can a therapist implement strategies to decrease refusal of care into their therapy sessions? In this chapter, we will look at practical examples of decreasing refusals in participation in activities of daily living, therapeutic exercise, socialization, recommended use of adaptive equipment, and compliance with precautions.
5. Question and Answer Session
This chapter is a viewer-submitted question and answer session facilitated by Adria Thompson.