Dementia Care

Almost 200,000 Australians are believed to be suffering from dementia and the prevalence of the disorder is growing in line with our ageing population. The most common type of dementia is that caused by Alzheimer's Disease, but there are also several other types. In the early stages, people with dementia and their families may need to make adjustments to their lifestyles in order to maximise safety and security. People with dementia often require expert and specialised care when the disease progresses to its later stages, and although this may be the point when they require residential care, more than half of Australians with dementia live in the community with support.

Show transcript

Nurses in residential aged care facilities become quite familiar with each resident and can often predict and prevent behavioural problems associated with dementia. There are also many environmental issues that can impact on the sense of security and comfort that a person with dementia experiences.

Sitting room

Thinking Challenge

In the video, Deirdre discusses some of the behaviours that may be problematic in dementia. The documents in the links below outline some practical strategies for the prevention and management of these behaviours.

  • Which of these strategies were discussed or illustrated in the video?
  • What are the most common co-morbidities in people in residential aged care who have dementia?
  • In the first link below, strategies for effectively screening for and managing wandering behaviours are outlined. Which do you think would be the most practical and effective?