Caring for a loved one diagnosed with dementia or cognitive decline can present unique and overwhelming challenges for not only family and friends, but for caregivers too.
For family caregivers, keeping a journal is an effective way to manage and monitor the progress of a loved one living with dementia. Recording what a loved one living with cognitive decline is experiencing helps medical professionals understand and adapt to the effects of the disease.
Whether you are caring for someone living with dementia or other illness, here are some considerations for keeping a journal.
Daily activities and behaviours: Note any changes in mood, unusual behaviours, or shifts in routine. This can help identify triggers for agitation or anxiety and reveal patterns or changes over time.
Medications and side effects: Record the times and doses of medications. If their medications change, note any side effects or noticeable changes in the person’s condition. This can be crucial for managing the drug’s effectiveness and any potential drug interactions.
Eating and drinking habits: What and how much is your loved one eating and drinking? Tracking this information can help prevent malnutrition and dehydration, which are common issues in people living with dementia.
Physical health and symptoms: Record any physical symptoms, such as coughs, changes in mobility, or signs of discomfort. This information can be vital for detecting emerging health issues that may not be directly related to dementia.
Sleep patterns: How much and how well are they sleeping? Do they wake up during the night? Sleep disturbances can exacerbate the symptoms of dementia and affect the health of both the caregiver and the patient.
Falls: Research shows that falls are not only more common among people with dementia, but they can also accelerate cognitive decline. Details about any falls – where, when, and how they occurred – are important information for the doctors.
Wellbeing: What makes your loved one happy? What activities, music, or tasks make them feel good both physically and mentally?
For formal caregivers, keeping meticulous care notes is equally important.
At Right at Home, the care we provided is driven by the Custom Care Plan (CCP). The CCP contains measurable goals and outcomes and acts as a nursing prescription designed to evolve as a person’s needs change over time. Within the CCP are care notes that track the effectiveness of care strategies and treatments.
We regularly review and audit our processes and ask for feedback, ensuring that if/when a person’s needs change, we are adapting the care plan to suit. Our experienced registered nurses and care managers will make recommendations and provide guidance individuals and their family on ways to help a person living with dementia remain safe and living with dignity.
The CCP and its care notes are kept in a folder at your home so that family members can check on progress at any time. The CCP is reviewed by care managers every six months in consultation with clients and their families – sooner if your needs change or if you ask for a review. Our care managers and registered nurse supervisors are available 24/7 to deal with emergency situations.
A detailed journal or care notes are valuable resource during medical appointments. Notes provide data and examples that help medical professionals understand the person’s current state beyond what memory recall or a short visit can reveal – crucial in managing treatment plans.
Doctors rely on accurate, detailed information to make informed decisions about treatments and care strategies. Moreover, notes can help identify early signs of complication or medication side effects that the person might not be able to express because of their cognitive condition. This helps the doctor make a change before complications cause a potentially serious health issue.
If you or someone you love needs care due to cognitive decline, contact your local Right at Home office today.
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Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors (elderly and aged care), and any adult who needs our care at home including adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no package management fees, Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget.
Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.
To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website.
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