Quality care for people with Down syndrome and Dementia

Demographics: Alzheimer’s disease in Down syndrome  Age Specific rates N=201  Years –9.4%  Years-36.1%  Years-54.4% Ref Prasher VP. Age specific Prevalence, Thyroid Dysfunction and Depression Symptomatology in adults with Down syndrome and dementia

 The nature of dementia.  The relationship between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease  Communication strategies  Responding to changed behaviour Victorian Down syndrome and dementia workshop.

 Diagnosis  Lifestyle  Models of care  Changing roles for disability workers Issues:

 The role of the General Practitioner and Disability worker  Centre for Developmental and Disability Services  CDAMS Diagnosis

 Loss of speech  Disorientation  Loss of daily living skills  Changes in personality  Long periods of inactivity or apathy  The development of seizures Signs of dementia in a person with an I.D.

 Unknown number of people living at home with ageing parents  Community residential units  Congregate care  Day programs  Supported employment Lifestyle

Design and deliver support services based on what is important to the person. Models of care: Person centred planning Three steps:  Planning  Supports  Feedback

Outcomes determined by the person being planned for are likely to result in a plan which increases: Outcomes of Person Centred Planning  Choice  Competence  Respect  Community participation

Models of Care: Person centred planning vs person centred care  developmental vs support  increases choice vs limits choice to avoid confusion  maximises potential vs maintains existing abilities whenever possible

Changes in program practices for disability workers  provide closer supervision  maintain present levels of independence by increasing staff supervision, prompts and hands-on care  modify the individual’s support plan to anticipate changing ADL needs  monitor and document increased episodes of confusion, disorientation or memory lapses

 Strengthen AAV’s links with the disability service sector  Continued dialogue between AAV and disability stakeholders to promote understanding and relevance  Provide ongoing support and education for disability support workers The Way Forward