providing specialized care for residents with changes in health

arthritis

inflammation of or swelling of joints that decreases mobility

• can lead to pain, stiffness, and fractures

mobility impairments can lead to…

• muscle atrophy

• contracture

• pressure sores

guidelines when caring for someone hearing impaired

• use hearing aids

• remove background noise

• get their attention before speaking

• speak slow, clear, and in a well-lit area

• don’t shout or exaggerate mouth movement

• keep pitch low

• keep food and hands away from mouth

• use notepad if needed

guidelines when caring for the vision impaired

• use glasses/contacts

• ensure proper lighting

• introduce yourself before providing care

• don’t move personal items

• large print reading material

• treat guide dogs professionally

• explain where things are

• use descriptive language

common psychological impairments

• confusion: inability to think clearly and logically —> stay with the resident at all times

• delirium: acute severe confusion —> identify cause, treat

• anxiety: uneasy, worry, or fear —> medication, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy

• depression: medication, therapies

• phobias: intense irrational fear —> medication, fears

• addiction treatments: rehab

stages of grief

1. denial

2. anger

3. bargaining

4. depression

5. acceptance

dying person’s bill of rights

• right to be treated like a living human

• right to maintain a sense of hopefulness

• right to express feelings and emotions about death

• right to participate in decisions concerning care

• right to receive continuing medical attention

• right not to die alone

• right to be free from pain

• right to have questions answered honestly/ hear truth

• etc.

treating residents who are dying

• respect wishes

• don’t isolate them

• don’t make promises you can’t keep

• continue involving resident in their care

• listen don’t offer advice or judge

• respect family’s privacy

signs of approaching death

• blurred and failing vision

• unfocused eyes

• impaired speech

• loss of movement and feeling

• diminished sense of touch

• decreased blood pressure

• below normal temp

• cheyne-stokes respirations

• cold, pale skin

• incontinence

• disorientation or confusion

post-mortem care

• bathe the body

• do not remove equipment attached to body

• close the mouth and eyes

• place small pillow under the head

• when body is gone, strip the bed and open the windows