CareGiver360

For individuals suffering from dementia, a familiar environment with recognized faces is crucial to their comfort and sense of well-being. This means that in-home care provided by a family member is often the least stressful option for these patients. However, many individuals with dementia also require routine medical procedures that may be too advanced for caregivers who don’t have a healthcare background. More and more of these procedures can be performed in the home by a trained nurse. Thanks to in-home nurses, individuals with dementia who would usually require institutionalization can now stay in the comfort of their own homes and receive necessary medical treatment.

It is important for the visiting nurse to not only be well-versed in the procedure they perform, but also to have training in dementia nursing care, which addresses the special requirements of patients with dementia. In addition to these general guidelines, the in-home nurse should receive an orientation to the individual to help reduce stress. The visiting nurse may also have important instructions regarding post-procedure treatment. These instructions should be recorded and closely followed to prevent hospitalization. Before they leave for the day, in-home nurses should explain:

• What to expect from the treatment
• Warning signs to watch for
• Post-treatment care
• When to expect another visit

 CareGiver360® serves as the ideal communication device for dementia caregivers when an in-home nurse visits. Nurses who need a quick introduction to an individual’s needs can review the Personal Care Guide. The Personal Care Guide provides an at-a-glance view of the person’s needs in an easy-to-navigate Web site. In addition to providing a quick orientation, the dementia caregiver can record important instructions given by the nurse and share it with other members of the care team. By rapidly orienting new staff and recording important instructions for care, the individual with dementia will receive more consistent, more effective and less stressful medical care. Click here to sign up for a free trial of CareGiver360®.