Dementia Assignments After Lesson 4

Mr. Winsky has Dementia with Lewy Bodies. His muscles are stiff and he is moving very slowly. Today, you are there to help him take a bath and he is resisting having any part in it.

Research: Review the information on Lewy Body Dementia on page 19 and “Assisting with Bathing” on pages 75-76.

Using this information and the skills covered in Module 2—Communication With People Who Have Dementia and Module 3—Creative Approaches to Challenging Behaviors:

Problem Solve: Describe three ways you could help Mr. Winsky to work through his resistance and make the experience less stressful.

Describe: How you would try to get Mr. Winsky’s cooperation to take a bath.

Ms. Swenson has Huntington’s Disease. You are there to help her get dressed this morning. Although she is normally able to participate in some dressing tasks, muscle spasms have kept her awake much of the night. She is tired and restless this morning when you arrive.

Research:

Read the information on Huntington’s Disease on page 17 and “Assisting with Dressing” on page 77.

Using this information and the skills covered in Module 2—Communication With People Who Have Dementia and Module 3—Creative Approaches to Challenging Behaviors:

Problem Solve: Describe three things you could do to encourage and support Ms. Swenson’s strengths this morning.

Describe: How you would support Ms. Swenson’s strengths while assisting her to dress.

Mr. Johnson has Alzheimer’s and has lived at your facility for almost a year. It is lunch time and you are there to help him eat. You have noticed that Mr. Johnson is not eating well and has lost some weight.

Research: Read the information on Alzheimer’s on page 14 and “Assisting with Eating” on pages 79 – 80. Using this information and the skills covered in Module 2—Communication With People Who Have Dementia and Module 3—Creative Approaches to Challenging Behaviors:

Problem Solve: Describe three ways you could help to ensure Mr. Johnson gets proper nutrition.

Describe: How you would encourage Mr. Johnson to eat. Using this information and the skills covered in Module 2—Communication With People Who Have Dementia and Module 3—Creative Approaches to Challenging Behaviors:

Ms. Pauley has Parkinson’s related Dementia. You are there to help her brush her teeth in preparation for bed. This evening, her hand tremors are worse and she is having difficulty brushing her teeth.

Research: Read the information on Parkinson’s related Dementia on page 20 and “Assisting with Personal Hygiene-Oral Care on page 81.

Using this information and the skills covered in Module 2—Communication With People Who Have Dementia and Module 3—Creative Approaches to Challenging Behaviors:

Problem Solve: Describe three ways you can help to ensure Ms. Pauley gets good mouth care.

Describe: How you would assist Ms. Pauley to brush her teeth.