Participants should be aware of the following financial/non-financial relationships:
John V. Hobday, MA: Disclosure information not submitted.
As a person ages and approaches the end of life, there is often a gradual loss of physical abilities. A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease complicates the normal aging process. The end-of-life experience is personal and emotional for family members as well as staff. Sometimes the journey toward death is a peaceful process, but other times it is marked by challenges that caregivers wish could have been different. This session presents a 5-step method to dementia care that is effective for all residents with dementia—but particularly at the end of life.
The CARES End-of-Life Dementia Care online training program instructs staff in the CARES Approach 5-step method: C – Connect with the Person; A – Assess Behavior; R – Respond Appropriately; E – Evaluate What Works; and S – Share with Others. This presentation includes a preview of the online training, as well as video interviews and care examples of real residents with dementia, their caregivers, and family members (no actors).
Learning Objectives:
Describe 3 goals of end-of-life care and 3 changes in a person living with dementia indicating the end of life is approaching.
List the CARES® Approach 5-step method.
Describe how the 5-step method can help staff provide better comfort care and emotional/spiritual support.