Transcript Roll Call Training - University of Florida
Understanding Dementia Helping the Lost Become Found
Dementia
3 characteristic problems short and long term memory loss AND at least one of the following Impairment of abstract thinking Impaired judgment Personality changes
Causes of Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease destruction of brains neurons Many strokes, Parkinson’s disease Early to late stage early memory loss impaired judgment late unable to care for self requires total care
Brief Description
Signs and symptoms of dementia ask the caregiver memory loss - thought problems unable to remember name, address, phone numbers why they are in that location how to get help repetitive questions inability to stay focused inability to follow the conversation inappropriate statements can’t figure out setting
judgmental problems improper dress improper behavior for the setting what role law enforcement has encourage SAFE RETURN REGISTRATION
Behavioral Problems
wandering or become lost in the community Safe Return program administered by national Alzheimer’s Association similar to ‘medic alert’ 24 hour operators provide information on residence and contacting caregiver agitation/aggression symptom of disease not a sign of a worrisome situation time limited
Communicating with a persons with dementia
questioning likely provide little useful information simple face the individual repeat 1-2x use clues to help form the question may provoke agitation look for clues Safe return ID or clothing tags personal identification
Recognizing a lost elder with dementia
inappropriate behavior for situation clothing/weather clothing/social standards walking in street unable to cross the street wandering aimlessly occurs in best situations homes and institutional settings
Characteristics of the lost
unable to return home either walking aimlessly ‘hiding’ in a natural area most likely on foot unable to protect themselves likely won’t respond to your call unlikely to ask for help may occur in anyone with dementia
Search Strategies
identify a search strategy to cover an increasing circumference of where last seen start with 1 mile go out to 5 miles > 5 mi unusual, but not usually associated with death, so less focus needed cover all possibilities within that range streets, highways residential yards easily accessible buildings convenience stores, hospitals continue through night
reconsider search strategy after ~ 6 hours identify natural areas within 1 mile range conduct shoulder-to-shoulder search increase circumference to about 5 miles REFER TO ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION ENCOURAGE SAFE RETURN REGISTRATION
contact information Alzheimer’s Association Lynda Everitt 372-6266 UF College of Nursing Meredeth Rowe 846-0678