Dementia Discharge Instructions

Memory Impaired. " � It should also have a contact phone number, address, and name of patient and caregiver.

Do not allow driving when the doctor says your patient has to stop driving. This is often a very hard issue. You may have to hide keys and disable the car.

Help your patient by using a calm, soothing tone when speaking.

Avoid loud music. Play calming music your patient enjoys.
Dont argue. Use distraction or change the subject if talk becomes filled with emotion. It is normal for people with dementia to have problems handling their feelings.
Use simple words when talking. Offer fewer choices. For example, ask Do you want to wear the blue shirt or the red shirt?" rather than "What do you want to wear?"

What follow-up care is needed?

The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your patients progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Follow-up is a vital part of living with this illness.
The doctor may send your patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist to help with other problems. These may include problems with behavior, sleep, mood, or worries.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: � �

Slow progression of dementia
Treat worry, anger, or low mood
Control signs like seeing or hearing things that others cannot
Treat other illnesses

Make sure that drugs are given as directed by the doctor. Some of the drugs may cause unwanted effects. Be sure to talk to the doctor if this happens. � �

Will physical activity be limited?

Daily exercise is important. This may help some of your patients signs, and will help keep muscle tone and balance.
As the disease progresses, activities like driving and working with machines should be limited. This can keep the patient and other people safe.

What problems could happen?

Change in behavior � � � Your patient may lose interest in things they once enjoyed. They may be irritable and have very high and low moods. They may show sexual behavior that is upsetting to others.
Loss of memory � � � Getting lost in familiar places happens often. So does forgetting common recipes. Your patient may miss meetings or leave the stove on. The patient may lose keys or glasses.
Loss of ability to function � � � Your patient may have trouble with bill paying or other household chores. Shopping or other things in a normal daily routine may be unfamiliar.
Loss of ability to communicate � � � Your patient may have problems finding the right word. This may progress to not being able to express needs. The patient may not be able to understand directions or instructions.
Harm towards others and self � � � This is often not planned but may be a problem. It may be a result of changes in balance or depth perception. A decline in skills or how to stay safe can also cause injury.
Injuries and illnesses � � � Lung infections or bedsores may happen because of limited activity or a drop in function.

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

There is no known way to prevent this illness. Still, some things may improve or slow the signs: � �

Try to prevent head injuries.
Limit intake of beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
Stay involved in social and mental activities.
Keep the brain busy.
Exercise often.
Keep a normal weight.
Eat a balanced diet, including foods with Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
Manage blood pressure and blood sugars.

When do I need to call the doctor?

You are worried the patient may harm himself or someone else
Patient has a sudden change in mental status or function
Patient cannot eat or sleep
You are no longer able to care for the patient safely at home
Health problem is not better or the patient is feeling worse

Helpful tips

Join support groups, such as the Alzheimers Association, to get to know others and families who are living with this illness.
Caregivers must take time to care for themselves to prevent burnout. Ask family or friends to give care for a few hours a few times a week.
Talk to doctor or social worker about day care programs in your area.
Learn about respite care. This will let you take time off or tend to your own health needs. Your patient will still be cared for.
Be sure there is someone to help you in case you become ill or are not able to care for your patient. This is a back-up plan.
Find out if there is a living will or power of attorney for health care issues. What are your patient's wishes?

Teach Back: Helping You Understand

The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: � �

I can tell you about dementia.
I can tell you ways to help keep a person with dementia safe at home.
I can tell you what I will do if I am worried I cannot care for my patient with dementia safely.

Where can I learn more?

American Academy of Family Physicians � �
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/dementia.printerview.all.html � �
Better Health Channel � �
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Dementia_explained � �
Dementia.org � �
http://www.dementia.org/ � �
National Organization for Rare Diseases � �
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/29/viewAbstract � �

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �

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