There are seven essential steps of good care for people with Debilitating Disease. No-matter if receiving care in a private home or an assisted living community, rehab, long term care or nursing home. There are seven essential elements that I believe are crucial for providing good quality of life.
The Seven Essential Steps Of Good Care
Steps #1-#3
ESSENTIAL #1: DIGNITY
Dignity is important to the person living with dementia or other health issues. Treating them as a full and complete person. When it is it is when possible, they need to be included. Communication conducted in a respectful manner. The care provider taking the time to understand the preferences and needs of the person. Care providers help to maintain the self-esteem of the person affected. With good hygiene and grooming, which add to the dignified appearance of the person affected.
ESSENTIAL #2: LOVING AND COMPASSIONATE RELATIONSHIPS
People living with health issues can still have social connections and experience love and consideration. The family and friends are welcome to visit and invited to join in activities. If living in a community setting the care staff is compassionate and supportive. They are able to understand the viewpoint of the person. They allow time to develop trust and acquire knowledge of the specific preferences of the person.
ESSENTIAL #3: STIMULATING AND AGE-APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES
The best engagement offers opportunities to help with active participation. A hands-on experience, socialization with other people, they feel successful. Many good environments provide “engagement with a purpose” The person is contributing their ability to be useful, productive or help others. Asking the person affected to assist in selecting foods for dinner. Other examples they might assist in mailing a birthday card for active soldiers or help organize supplies for the homeless. There are many options such as adult puzzles, Wii games, yoga classes, and more. These purposeful activities stimulate the person living with debilitating diseases to be active and participatory.
Essential Steps #4-#5
ESSENTIAL #4: CHOICES
All of us, since before of age two, have expressed our preferences on what we want to wear, eat and do. This doesn’t need to end because there has been a diagnosis of major health issues. Medical professionals and care staff often think you do not need or understand choices. A simple example is that to select clothing, it is common for the person caring for someone to not only pick the clothing but to begin to put it them. A dignified approach offer the person a choice on which shirt or pants he’d like to wear. Ask if they would like help dressing. Offer choices for meals, activities and schedules, in the same manner you would give anyone. This saves their dignity.
ESSENTIAL #5 SAFETY
A safe environment is essential !
People with health issues deserve a safe environment with the necessary handrail ,bathroom grip bars, ramps, removal of trip hazards, lighting,etc. But safety also includes freedom from abuse. The rate of elder abuse is high. People living with a debilitating disease or dementia have an even higher rate of being abused. Whether physical abuse, emotional, financial or sexually.
Physical abuse can happen from things like rough handling when showering or bruises and skin tears.
Emotional abuse is the most common form of abuse , when the person is impatient and shows lack of respect or verbally dishonors the person.
Financial exploration is common. Espousing them to frauds or scams. ( unapproved use of credit cards;over reporting of care hours ;stealing; Sometime unauthorized signatures on documents. )
Sexual abuse may occur when the people providing care actually prey on the person.
An important step to keep you safe. Especially, if you are vulnerable and affected with dementia or other illness. All persons screened for criminal background and drug use. This is important whether you move into some form of senior housing. with family or you have care in your own home.
The Essential Steps #6-#7
ESSENTIAL #6 ATTENTIVE MEDICAL CARE
Older adults commonly have one or more chronic diseases. These need regular monitoring. People who have chronic diseases are more likely to have a health crisis. They may not be able to articulate when they do not feel well. Have difficulty understanding their treatments and medications. If there is not regular observation and attention a simple problem such as a urinary tract infection can go unattended. The infection has then become severe, necessitating a hospitalization.Unfortunately, people living with health issues too frequently are in and out of hospitals, resulting in unnecessary suffering and debilitation.
ESSENTIAL #7 END OF LIFE
In the case of a progressive and terminal condition people need support and preparation. For the progression through the end of life
The fifth leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older is now dementia.
Both the person and family benefit from end of life education and preparation.
And End of Life Preparation #8 Essential Steps Of Good Care
Discussions on treatment choices, the benefits of palliative and hospice services, and what a “good death” would look like.
Guidance regarding the stages and comfort measures for the end of life can help support the individual and family members through their journey.
Frequently, people near the end of life have unnecessary and un-comfortable admissions to acute care hospitals, with no benefit and Hugh expense.
Don’t let the person ends up dying in an unfamiliar environment, surrounded by people who do not know them, and experiencing unnecessary trauma.
With the knowledge that the condition will progress, there is no need for surprises or unnecessary hospitalizations. Open communication, support, forward planning, and awareness of choices and resources can bring peace for the person and their loved ones at the end of life.
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