STUDENT ASSESSMENT TASK

TASK 1

CHCAGE005 Provide support to people

living with dementia
LCA Student ID Title First name Family name

190408 Mrs Jennifer Micosa

a) Provide two reasons why older people with dementia are more vulnerable
to abuse than those without dementia.
Because people that have this disease are vulnerable and it may prevent
them from reporting or even recognizing that they are being abused

They can be easily deceived and be an easy prey from those people who
like to take advantage cognitive impairment

b) List six signs of abuse that could occur with a person with dementia.
Sign 1: Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions and burns
may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect or
mistreatment.
Sign 2: Bruises around the breasts or genital area may be a sign of
sexual abuse
Sign 3: Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden
change in alertness or unexpected depression may be an
indicator of emotional abuse
Sign 4: Sudden changes in financial situations may be the result of
exploitation
Sign 5: Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene and
unusual weight loss may indicate neglect
Sign 6: Belittling, threats or other uses of power by spouses, family
members or others may indicate verbal or emotional abuse

c) What is the first thing you should do if you suspected that a family
member was purposefully withholding medication from a person with
dementia?
In handling suspected elder abuse, it is important to investigate first and
do not make any assumptions. It is very important to always document the
situation because it will help in establishing the case and help to create a
timeline when did the issue starts. It will help in justifying timely
interventions to improve the client's welfare. Also, it is necessary to report
to a senior supervisor and alternatively call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-
677-1116.

QUESTION 2
d) List two benefits of using ‘person-centered’ practice when caring for
clients with dementia.
It benefits the client because this practice goal is to distinguish the person and
the disease
Person centered approach recognizes a person’s individuality, their personal
history and personality.
e) List three principles of a person-centred approach?
Valuing people
- We need to treat people with respect and dignity we need to be aware of
supporting personal perspectives, values, beliefs, and preferences it is not
one size fits all. Listening to each other and working hand in hand will
deliver great results
Autonomy
- Best explain by respecting choices made, balancing rights, risks, and
responsibilities. Giving an individual power to make decisions but with
proper guidance.
Offer personalised care, support and treatment
- This principle is the heart of person-centered care. It requires you to
understand each individual it’s not a one size fits all. You need to
understand that each patient needs different treatment depending on
their personal circumstances and value. That is why this approach is not
standardise to one. Personalising your service to each patient allows them
to retain some of their independence and fulfil their personal wants and
needs.

QUESTION 3
f) Caring for people with dementia can be very frustrating and stressful. List
two signs that you notice when you are becoming stressed.
Anxiety about the future and facing another day.
- What happens when he needs more care than I can provide.
Exhaustion that makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily
task.
- I’m too tired for this
g) Identify two things you could do if you found your stress levels were
interfering with your work.
Use relaxation techniques in would help relieve stress such as:
- Visualisation (mentally picturing a place or situation that is peaceful
and calm)
- Meditation (which can be simple as dedicating15 minutes a day to
letting go of all stressful thoughts.)
- Breathing Exercises (slowing your breathing and focusing on taking
deep breaths.)
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation (tightening and then relaxing each
muscle group, starting at one end of your body and working your way
to the other end)

Find time for yourself.

- Consider taking advantage of respite care so you can spend time
doing something you enjoy. Respite care provides caregivers with a
temporary rest from caregiving, while the person with Alzheimer’s
disease continues to receive care in a safe environment.
QUESTION 4
Wandering is a common behaviour of people with dementia.
h) Why is wandering a problem in an aged care residence? List two reasons.
Inactivity/boredom – lack of activity may lead the person to wander around
looking for something to do
Loneliness – wandering may be a substitute for social interaction.

i) What are two physical supports that could be put in place to assist people
who are wandering?
Ensuring they have emergency contact details on their person, for
example, in their wallet or on a safety bracelet
Consider dressing her in clothing that’s easy-to-see from a distance. This can
be a good way to prevent wandering if you’re planning to be in a crowd.
j) What are two social supports that could be put in place to assist people
who tend to wander?
Avoiding areas or rooms that may cause distress

Reminding them to use any mobility aids and sensory aids they have e.g.
glasses or hearing aids
k) List two emotional issues that may be causing wandering.
Depression
- The feeling of social isolation and loss of control that comes with the
progression of dementia may contribute to depression and
loneliness.
Anxiety
- may be due to difficulty processing information and experiences,
both new and old.
l) Why is it important to identify these issues?
It is important to identify these causes because it would help to prevent
this scenario that may lead to worse outcomes. (I cannot see any article for
this. Because I think its self-explanatory?)

QUESTION 5
m) What are six communication techniques you should use when
communicating with a person with dementia?
Personal Appearance
- Appropriate clothes, hair and body scent can make a person with
dementia more relaxed and comfortable with you, because that may
remind them of someone they knew.
Approach Individuals from the front
- People will become more familiar with you when they feel like they
 are being respected. By approaching them from the front, you will
give them a chance to process who you are and what you are asking.
Body Language/ Eye Contact
- A person with dementia will be able to detect your body language,
sudden movements which can cause distress on the person and can
make it hard to communicate. Demonstrating what is being asked will
give the person a visual perception. Respect the person’s personal
space but make sure to drop down to eye level, this will allow the
individual to feel more comfortable and in control of the situation.
Facial Expressions
- Tense facial expressions can also cause distress. Soft facial
expressions and smiling will give the person enjoyment. So
remember, something as simple as starting a conversation with a
smile can go along way!
Touch
- Physical contact will give the person a sense of care and affection.
Simply by holding someone’s hand, rubbing their shoulder or giving
them a hug will provide reassurance and comfort.
Dance/Music
- Music and dance can spark memories of happy times in a person’s
life. Make sure to know what type of music a person enjoyed growing
up and allow them to create moments of joy.

n) How could you adjust the following sentences so they are more positive?
The first has been completed for you as an example.
Negative sentence Positive sentence
Don’t sit there – it is Come over here and sit in the shade.
too hot.

You are not allowed in Please stay in this room.

other people’s rooms.

You can’t go home – This is your home.

you live here now.
You haven’t finished Please finish your food.
your dinner again.

I wish you wouldn’t Let’s find your underclothes. Do you remember

keep hiding your where you put them?
underclothes. Where
have you put them?
My name is Angela. My name is Angela.
I’ve told you five
times in the last half
hour.
QUESTION 6
In the following table, suggest two appropriate care approaches that may be
used to assist with each type of challenging behaviour.

Behaviour Care approaches

Repetitive
By using memory aids
behaviour
By engaging the client in an activity
Paranoia
Redirect their attention

By giving simple answers

Aggression
Do not argue with them

Do not take it personally

Sundowning Environmental Approach – by minimising the clutter in the
room.
Behavioural Approach – reduce the daytime naps,
eliminate the caffeine in late daytime.
Uninhibited
Maintain consistent firm boundaries
sexual
behavior
Distract them and redirect to a positive activity
Wanting to go
Try going home with photos
home
Redirect their attention

QUESTION 7
In the following table suggest two appropriate care approaches when
providing personal care assistance to maximise independence for a person
with dementia.
Personal care Care approaches to maximise independence
activities
Eating Provide simple meal choices

Make eating easier

Bathing Make the bathroom warm and comfortable

Say “we” not “you”. Use some extra towels for

comfort and warmth.
Oral care Use a soft toothbrush

Sensitive supervision

Dressing Give them time. Try not to rush them which can
cause anxiety and stress.
 Easy to get on and off. It is best to avoid
clothing with small buttons and difficult
zippers. Clothing with elastic waistbands,
open cardigans, snaps, large buttons, and
Velcro closures are much easier for seniors to
manage.

QUESTION 8
o) Explain in your own words what is meant by the ‘social model of
devaluation’.
According to me Social devaluation is the systemic belief that a group
or person has less social value than others. Such devaluation can have
negative consequences for the individual or group affected by it.
Socially devalued parties have fewer opportunities and are recognized
less for their accomplishments.

p) As a personal care worker, what are two simple things you can do to help
clients with dementia feel valued?
By providing good support to the clients in everything.

By listen to them properly can make them feel valued.

QUESTION 9
Describe each of the following terms – give an example of each.
Term Description Example
Reality Reality orientation therapy is  Time
orientation a progressive treatment for  Place
confused elderly patients to
help them focus on their
immediate surroundings. It
attempts to help elderly people
reorient themselves by
presenting orientating
Term Description
information.
Validation Validation therapy advocates
strategies that, rather than trying to bring
the person with
dementia back to our reality,
it is more positive to enter their
reality. In this way empathy is
developed with the person,
building trust and a sense of
security.
Example
A woman angrily declares that
the caregiver threw a basin of
water over her clothes and now
she's all wet. The trusted,
familiar Validation caregiver
rephrases, asks, “Does that
happen every morning? “Yes,
every morning.'

Reminiscen Reminiscence is a memory, or When patient tell or think back

ces a story about past events, or on a story about your
something that brings to mind childhood, this is
another thing.
an example of reminiscence.

Empathy Empathy is defined as the An example of empathy is

ability to understand the feeling the same amount of
thoughts feelings or emotions excitement as a friend, when
they tell you they're getting
of someone else.
married.
Acknowledg Acknowledgment is giving An example of
ement someone recognition. acknowledgment is admitting
Acknowledgment is defined to a client that you made a
as admitting or saying that you
mistake.
know something, or that
something is true.
Younger The term younger onset Confusion with time or place.
onset dementia is used Memory loss that disrupts daily
dementia to describe any form life.
of dementia that develops in
people under the age of
65.Dementia has been
diagnosed in people in their
50s, 40s and even in their 30s.

QUESTION 10
Maud wants to walk down to the town for a coffee like she always used to.
Maud has the early stages of dementia and has a reputation for getting
lost.
What are three actions you could you take to make sure Maud is safe,
balancing with her wish to be independent and be able to take risks?
I would be stay in touch with Maud to make him feel more safe and secure.
I can also engage Maud into conversation with me.

QUESTION 11
Janice is up to her ears in paperwork. She has to check all the client care
plans before the auditor comes next week. She has client files all over her
desk, on top of the cabinet and on the floor.
There is a big pile of loose papers that need to be filed, so she is doing that
first.
Today is Friday. When it is time to go home for the weekend, Janice puts up
a large sign in her office: ‘DO NOT TOUCH ANY OF THESE FILES’.
She thinks she has done well to remember to do this as the cleaner comes
in over the weekend and she doesn’t want the cleaner moving things
around otherwise she won’t know where she is up to.

q) Janice’s work practices are bad on many levels! What legislation is she
breaking by her actions?
She is breaking the prescribed work environment by the government.

r) List two work practices that need to change. What is the consequence if
they don’t change?
Practice 1: Daily reporting

Consequenc Important information may be missed

e:

Practice 2: Cleaning everything after use

Consequenc May be infected

e:
QUESTION 12
In a paragraph each, discuss each of the following emotions that may be felt
by a person with dementia or their family members.
Depression  Depression
 Reaction to diagnosis
 Social isolation

Loss and  Loss of independence

grieving  Inabilities

Anger  May not understand the feelings of others

 May hurt somebody knowingly or unknowingly

Despair  They might not understand what is happening around

them
 May not enjoy life

Social They may embrace themselves when they realised they

embarrassm keep things forgetting and have done something unusual
ent

Isolation They are incapable to the things that they are used to do.

Financial They may cause the financial problem to the dementia

burden family.

QUESTION 13
Dementia is a progressive neurological condition. Provide a brief description
for each of the following pathological features of dementia:
Amyloid The beta-amyloid protein involved in Alzheimer’s comes in
plaques several different molecular forms that collect between
neurons. It is formed from the breakdown of a larger protein,
called amyloid precursor protein. One form, beta-amyloid
42, is thought to be especially toxic. In the Alzheimer’s
brain, abnormal levels of this naturally occurring protein
clump together to form plaques that collect between
 neurons and disrupt cell function. Research is ongoing to
better understand how, and at what stage of the disease,
the various forms of beta-amyloid influence Alzheimer’s.
Neurofibrillar Neurofibrillary tangles are abnormal accumulations of a
y tangles protein called tau that collect inside neurons. Healthy
neurons, in part, are supported internally by structures
called microtubules, which help guide nutrients and
molecules from the cell body to the axon and dendrites. In
healthy neurons, tau normally binds to and stabilizes
microtubules. In Alzheimer’s disease, however, abnormal
chemical changes cause tau to detach from microtubules
and stick to other tau molecules, forming threads that
eventually join to form tangles inside neurons. These
tangles block the neuron’s transport system, which harms
the synaptic communication between neurons.

Emerging evidence suggests that Alzheimer’s-related brain

changes may result from a complex interplay among
abnormal tau and beta-amyloid proteins and several other
factors. It appears that abnormal tau accumulates in
specific brain regions involved in memory. Beta-amyloid
clumps into plaques between neurons. As the level of beta-
amyloid reaches a tipping point, there is a rapid spread of
tau throughout the brain.