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Working with advanced dementia patients in a day care setting
- Author:
- ABRAMOWITZ Leah
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 50(3/4), 2008, pp.25-35.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Alzheimer’s disease and most other forms of dementia are progressive, with a gradual decline in function and the ability to participate in day-to-day activities. This paper is based on experience at the MELABEV network of day care centres in Israel, where some 90% of people with advanced dementia live in the community with their families. The functional and behavioural characteristics of this group are outlined, and the challenges facing day care staff are discussed. Learning about each person’s background and life style before illness is important so that staff can tune into and respect the individual, however impaired. Approaches to preventing and managing behavioural disturbance are examined, including the use of touch and multi-sensory snoezelaan rooms (which can also be of value to staff). By using these various approaches those with advanced dementia may continue to be able to participate in a social and therapeutic environment, and experience meaningful human contact and quality of life. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).