Reference no: EM133567867
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is a devastating disease that not only affects the person experiencing it but also places an enormous burden on the families and caregivers of those affected (Halter, 2021). From a nursing standpoint, burn out can occur when caring for patients with AD. It requires a higher level of expertise when caring for and managing complex symptoms of AD. Wandering, anxiety, agitation, and verbal or combativeness can manifest, and nurses need to be able to manage that appropriately. Nurses also need to be able to provide teaching and education to help the families take care of their loved ones at home.
Social services and pastoral care are an important part of the medical community. They can help assist and provide families with emotional and spiritual support to cope with the situation and be sensitive to the needs of patients and families dealing with AD. Social services can provide families community resources and support groups to alleviate the stress and challenges of caregiving. The Alzheimer's Association is a national agency that provides various forms of assistance to individuals with the disease and their families (Halter, 2021).
Home health care has been paramount in providing care to patients affected with AD. They can give the families a break, be the main caregivers, and support the needs of the families to maintain a good quality of life for their loved ones. There will be an unforeseeable increase of people with AD as the population ages. It not only affects the families own finances, but the nation's health care system as well. Medical providers and the community should continue health promotion and teaching to provide integral and patient centered care. There is dementia daycare nowadays that offers a milieu approach to patients. There are also residential care settings available in the community as well. Dealing with patients with AD is challenging and will have considerable difficulties for everyone involved including the patients, families, medical providers, and the community.