Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. CNAs play a critical role Supporting families of residents with dementia

Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Dementia- affects the family too  Families may have spent months or years caregiving –They may be exhausted, stressed  Sadness over the changes in their loved one –The resident may no longer recognize them –Not the person they once were November 2013 Supporting families of residents with dementia

Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Long-term care—A big change  Families may worry that –the resident will be unhappy or lonely –his or her needs will not be met –the staff will not know about their loved one’s preferences  What are some other concerns families might have? November 2013 Supporting families of residents with dementia

Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Other feelings  Turning over the day-to-day care to others –May be a relief –Families may finally be able to get rest attend to personal care needs take time off from caregiving –It is common to feel guilty too November 2013 Supporting families of residents with dementia

Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Easing their burden  CNAs have the most contact with residents’ families  Can provide much-needed support  Seeing the situation through the family member’s eyes can help November 2013 Supporting families of residents with dementia

Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Looking at the benefits  It can help to remind families of the benefits of long-term care –More social contact for the resident –Opportunity to meet other families with similar challenge –Activities will be geared to the resident’s changing needs  Can you think of other benefits? November 2013 Supporting families of residents with dementia

Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Families and staff as partners  Some ways to strengthen this bond: –Always treat the resident (and family) respectfully –Express interest in getting to know the residents What are their likes/dislikes? How did they like to spend their time?  Be responsive to the family’s concerns November 2013 Supporting families of residents with dementia