At a Glance
John had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease when his family started noticing he was becoming more forgetful, repeating questions and stories more than usual. He has been living alone since his wife passed away a year ago and has caregivers who visit 3 times a week to assist him with preparing his meals and light housework.
Challenges
John is very resistant to accepting more hours of care in his home as he is a quiet and private individual. On the most recent visit to see John, his daughter noticed he had a bruise and cut on his head and he was unable to recall how this happened to him. She also suspected that he had not changed his clothes or showered in the past few days.
System Findings
- Sensi’s comprehensive status overview detected the following: John was having repeat instances ofCognitive Anomalies such as misplacing items and disorientation.
- The data demonstrated that the Cognitive Anomalies occurred in the early evening hours and frequently extended into the evening and night.
- Instances of Positive Interactions and Exceptional Care were detected on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings – verified with his care plan to be during hours of caregiver visits. This indicates a great client – caregiver match!
- Difficulty Performing Tasks detected for personal tasks.
Data Driven Decisions
Care Plan Adjustment
- Care times to suit hours of more confusion and times of cognitive anomalies.
- Care Plan review / reassessment required to assess his ability to complete personal care – evidence that he is not initiating washing/dressing as per his regular routine.
Cognitive Training and Compensatory Strategies
- Have a clock with the time, date, year – in commonly used areas to orient John to his environment. When visitors arrive and during phone conversations, having prompts in the conversation to remind John of the time, date, season.
- Have cognitively stimulating tasks and activities within his current abilities for him to engage in during times of caregiver visits.
Impact
Implementing Sensi’s data-based recommendations had a dramatic effect on John’s overall quality of life and wellbeing, by tailor-suiting John’s plan to his changing needs.
