Case management considerations of progressive dementia in a home setting.
OBJECTIVE
Nursing theory, research, and best practice guidelines contribute substantially to the field of dementia care. Interventional plans are challenged most by those dementias considered progressive and deteriorative in nature, requiring ongoing reassessment and modification of care practices as the clinical course changes. The purpose of this article is to provide guidelines for case managers in the development of effective, individualized care plans for clients with progressive dementia residing in a home setting. The application of these guidelines is illustrated through the presentation of an actual case.


METHODS
The practice setting is a private home in the Pacific Northwest. Geriatric case management is provided by an RN case manager.


CONCLUSIONS
Progressive dementia presents challenges to home care. Professional case management using comprehensive, holistic assessment, collaborative approaches, and best practice fundamentals serve to create an effective, individualized plan of care.


CONCLUSIONS
The increasing geriatric population presents great opportunities for case managers in strategic management for creating successful home care models in clients with progressive dementia. Use of nursing diagnoses, dementia research, and collaborative approaches with families and other medical providers creates a viable alternative for clients with progressive dementia.
Pierce
Mary Ellen
ME
Care Management Associates, Inc., Vancouver, WA 98665, USA. Mpierce540@aol.com
D000368:Aged; D019090:Case Management; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans