Unit 49;Understand and meet the nutritional requirements of individuals with dementia. 1) Understand the nutritional needs that are unique to individuals with dementia. 1.1) Describe how cognitive, functional, and emotional changes associated with dementia can affect eating, drinking and nutrition; Symptoms associated with dementia, can have detrimental effect on individuals, if they are not addressed and resolved. In some individuals, cognitive impairments interfere with the sequences and patterns associated with completing tasks, so, remembering how to use items such as cutlery, drinking cups etc, and the order, or way in which to use them are lost. It can mean that tasks such as making a cup of tea, or a sandwich can no longer be completed.
Often just knowing that we are thirsty as opposed to hungry will lead to a better choice being made in selecting drink over food. As cognitive function deteriorates in the dementia patient these decisions are obviously effected more so. In the extreme a dementia patient will not realise that they are dehydrated or that they are hungry and will go without food and drink for longer periods then perhaps is healthy unless they are prompted by their carers to receive nutrition This factor must also be balanced against the fact that older, sentient, people often need less food and drink then younger more active people and a good carer will also be conscious of this Dementia can effect the choices that a person makes on the type of food they want to eat. For example we have a lady called Joyce who prefers foods (and drinks) that are white. (She also prefers her chair to be white so you can see the level of dementia being dealt with here).
The same will apply to drinking. With older people who are prone to malnutrition and dehydration this can become more of a problem with Dementia putting their health at risk. Functional problems - affecting ability to carry out normal daily activities such as washing, dressing, and cooking meals Functional changes is losing the ability to remember how to eat or using utensils and drinking implements and instead might be better encouraged to pick up food buffet style or finger food. This might be as a way to overcome their loss of ability to function as they once did and rather than become distressed and confused they prefer to just pick up food. If this is preferred then to promote their dignity food presented for that function should be laid out.
Each service user is different and they all like/ dislike different foods. Some service users are able to tell staff as to what they do and don’t like. As for some individuals have difficulties explaining things, but some information like this will more than likely be found on their own care plan. Also some service users may have other things to be aware of such as diabetes eating less sugary things or bad oral hygiene not allowing them to eat solid foods. In this case I would seek guidance for their care plan and GP as to what is acceptable for them to be having.
I feel if we were to take away all their independence, take away their choice, it could lead to the service users having behaviour problems and also in the long term they will lose ability to do skills that they once were very capable of doing. 2. (1.2) Analyse reasons why individuals may need support to maintain, regain or develop skills for everyday life The reason why people would need support to maintain, regain or develop skills for everyday life can be very different. People could have different health problems that affect their skills for everyday life. A few examples on what could have an effect are: * Physical health: feeling unwell with a fever leads to tiredness and can make you unable to do usual daily activities.
Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities. This includes problems with: * memory loss * thinking speed * mental agility * language * understanding * judgment People with dementia can lose interest in their usual activities, and have problems controlling their emotions. They may also find social situations challenging, lose interest in socializing, and aspects of their personality may change. A person with dementia may lose empathy (understanding and compassion), they may see or hear things that other people do not (hallucinations), or they may make false claims or statements. As dementia affects a person's mental abilities, they may find planning and organizing difficult.
Unit 57- Support individuals to eat and drink 1. Describe ways to resolve any difficulties or dilemmas about the choice of food and drink (1.1.3) Some people might refuse to eat the food that have been given to them. They may have difficulty in eating and may be given food in a liquidised form or soft diet as this could be what it states in their care plan. If someone is on one of these diets then they may not be able to choose what they want to eat, this can cause problems between the service user and supporting staff members. This can be resolved by reporting the issue to your senior member of staff on shift or your manager.
Unit 222- Support individuals to eat and drink. 222.1.3- Some people might refuse to eat some food that has been given to them. They will have been given this food because it is what it says they need in their care plan such as a liquidised diet or a soft diet. If someone is on one of these diets then they might not be able to choose what they want to eat and then this will cause problems between the individual and the care assistant. However, there are some ways that you can resolve these difficulties and dilemmas.
The following can cause total incontinence: * An anatomical defect the person has had from birth. * A spinal cord injury which messes up the nerve signals between the brain and the bladder. * A fistula - a tube (channel) develops between the bladder and a nearby area, most typically the vagina. The following may also sometimes cause urinary incontinence: * Some medications - especially some diuretics, antihypertensive drugs, sleeping tablets, sedatives, and muscle relaxants. * Alcohol - if a person drinks a large quantity of alcohol the bladder and the muscles around it will relax, plus the individual may become less aware of when it is time to urinate.
People have the choice to reduce risk factors for illness and injuries. Personality traits and illness are linked by consciousness, emotions and reactions and describe behavior and mental processes. (Sarafino, 2011) For example, developing habits like overeating will be harmful and cause Obesity or Diabetes, but people do it anyway because they enjoy it. Excessive drinking, drug abuse, eating or smoking can hinder how well specific tasks are carried out. Unhealthy habits can lead someone to feel more irritable and lose their focus at work.