Dementia Case Study

Andrew from Epsom was referred to us by his wife after he started attempting to get out of bed at night and wander around the house and attemptng to leave the house on his own.


Andrew was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 6 years ago and has had a rapid deterioration in the past year which has taken its toll on his family. He has short term memory loss and is having difficulty engaging in conversations and processing information. A few weeks ago, Andrew got lost in his local park and had to be bought home by the police. Andrew also has osteoarthritis in both knees and is finding climbing in / out of the bath more and more difficult.

Before his diagnosis Andrew had been very active. He enjoyed walking, folk dancing and playing with his grandchildren. He is now requiring support with day to day activities, is incontinent at night and very tired during the day. Margaret does not like to leave him at home alone, neither is he able to go out independently anymore as he is becoming very disorientated in timme, place and person.

Our OT assessed Andrew and worked with his wife to identify the areas they are struggling with and help them find ways around these.

Main Areas of Difficulty

  • Getting out of bed at night and wondering around the house
  • Attempting to leave the house
  • Incontinence at night
  • Difficulty getting in / out of the bath
  • Remembering medication
  • Remembering the date and time
  • Mrs L not being aware of local resources and support groups to support them both

Recommendations


Our OT explored the concept of telecare with Mr L, which supports people with dementia and their carers in a way that promotes independence and enables them to stay in familiar surroundings for as long as possible and can help them to enjoy a better quality of life for longer.

Bed Sensor Mat

Bed Sensor Mat

A mat placed at the side of the bed or on the bed itself which alerts a carer each time a person gets out of bed.

Door sensor Alarm

Door sensor Alarm

This detects movement if someone walks through a certain doorway and triggers an alarm.

Reclining Bath lift

Reclining Bath lift

OT recommended a bath lift and rails to support bath transfers. Mr L likes to recline back in the bath, so a reclining bath lift was recommended.

Pill Reminder with Alarm

Pill Reminder with Alarm

Reminds you by means of an alarm and flashing light when to take your medication. It will make the correct dose available at the correct time of day or night, whilst keeping secure all other pills.

Dementia Digital Calendar Clock

Dementia Digital Calendar Clock

OT gave Mr and Mrs L information about what benefits they maybe entitled to, how to register as a carer and information about local and nationwide support groups and resources.

OT made a referral to the local continence service who assessed Mr L and offered advice on suitable incontinence pads, bed products, diet and fluid management.

OT also gave Mr and Mrs L information about what benefits they maybe entitled to, how to register as a carer and information about local and nationwide support groups and resources.

Telecare can have real benefits for people with dementia and their carers especially when tailored to meet their needs.

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