Communication in Dementia Care

Abstract

Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative illness that affects a growing number of older adults in our country. We discuss ways to improve the management of persons with dementia within current healthcare models. Specifically, we argue that structured communication at regular intervals is essential for dementia care at all phases of illness. We emphasize the need for a single healthcare provider to take on a central role in organizing communication between patient, family and other healthcare providers in the outpatient setting. We also emphasize the need for healthcare providers to begin conversations about prognosis, care transitions and end of life early while balancing these difficult conversations with a hopeful attitude of realistic optimism that the disease can be managed.

Patient and caregiver perspectives on a tool to identify undiagnosed dementia: A qualitative study

“…These views are aligned with practice recommendations that emphasize the value of plain, honest, patient-centered conversations at every stage of diagnosing and treating dementia. (31,32) Given the communication concerns raised by participants, specialized training may be needed for providers to help them have conversations with patients about their risk for undiagnosed dementia. Existing resources like a communication toolkit(12) for primary care conversations about memory loss provide guidance.…”

Supporting Individuals and Families Impacted by Dementia in Counseling: Case Report

“…As each family member was at a different pace of accepting Morgan's diagnosis, communication issues and additional stress arose. As family communication is considered a critical component in dementia care ( 14 ), counseling focused heavily on ways to improve communication among family members. During the sessions, the family was encouraged to have an open dialog about care preferences and care planning.…”

Potentially preventable hospitalizations in dementia: family caregiver experiences

“…daily blood pressure, blood sugar) and offer suggestions for improving care coordination (e.g. care coordination tracking work sheets that contain the names of all clinicians, an up-to-date list of all diagnoses and medications) (Chmelik et al, 2016). In the context of fall prevention, clinicians might relay easy-to-read instructions about potential risk factors and ways to mitigate the risks of recurrent falls.…”