the effectiveness of a changed perspective and response. Dementia Care Consultant Southern Cross Care (NSW & Act) Dementia (BPSDs) are evident in at least 90% of people with dementia during the course of their illness and pose as one of the biggest challenges for dementia care staff. Identifying non pharmacological methods of managing BPSDs requires residential aged care to focus on designing effective care and lifestyle models the support quality of life outcomes for the persons with dementia. aim to increase quality of life in people with moderate to severe dementia where BPSDs are the most commonly developed . Non pharmacological interventions of these models include facilitating a culture change in staff by introducing mandatory education in dementia skills aimed at cert 4 levels , compulsory dementia care competency assessments that focus on communication, person centred care, care mapping, dementia case conferencing, BPSD consult reviews and lifestyle programs for sun downing and nocturnal delirium management . handover processes with confusion assessment methods Brodaty's 7 tiered service delivery model and delirium screening assessments will help identify and minimise conditions that impact on BPSDs music, art, movement, reminiscing, memory retraining, validation, reality orientation, cognitive behaviour training, milieu therapies have produced a 70% improvement in BPSD management when trialled in case specific units . This is also used in adjunct with environmental modifications with the use of evidence based research to modify homes into dementia friendly environments by creating engaging internal, external areas , providing memory cueing strategies typically Montessori based that maintains and improves remaining abilities in the person with the illness. via the use of a number of Evidence based research (EBR ) projects and carer support are all effective strategies currently used to create a positive dementia specific model of care. a Valentine's dinner for couples who are living with dementia. A semi formal evening followed for 26 couples and it was an overwhelming success. belief that while people living with dementia require services to support them (day programs, respite, Carer Support etc), they also crave and respond to the opportunity to do social activities that we all access take for granted a short holiday. people with dementia and their primary Carer? |