Caregivercare.ca’s Post

The past month has been a time of immersion into detail and learning as we prepare to launch services through the CMS GUIDE Model. A few thoughts and observations: 1) This may be obvious but it is hard to overstate just how significant a shift this represents in the way dementia care is conceived and provided in the US. 2) Eight years is an exceptionally long time for a pilot program. Enough time to try some approaches, learn how they might work, adapt and pivot as needed. It is entirely possible that we may find 8 years to not be long enough to get all the pieces right. 3) I love that frequent contact between persons with dementia, their caregivers and a point of contact on the care team is actively incentivized. 4) I also love that GUIDE is built off some of the best implementation science work in dementia care over the past decade. That attention to nuance really shows. 5) I am grateful to be leading a GUIDE site in a major academic health system Mass General Brigham McLean Hospital. There are aspects that I simply haven't dealt with before. However, colleagues around the system know the things that I don't. It makes for a powerful team! 6) Even before we launch, it is clear how the service can become a major resource for multiple avenues of research. If done right, GUIDE may become a gift that keeps giving. 7) I am also grateful for our partners within Mass General Brigham Healthcare at Home and in the community. Their services and expertise complement our clinical team and GUIDE creates a way for us to collaborate more effectively. 8) Finally, a tip of the hat to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services #CMS. They catch plenty of critique in the public sphere and GUIDE is not perfect. But it is thoughtful, bold and serious. Moreover, the CMS team has been responsive, helpful and communicative. I've been surprised by the smoothness of our interactions and how they've helped resolve issues. This matters! We'll learn in time whether the GUIDE project is classified as a success or not. But already it represents progress, and almost certainly will represent a significant improvement in care for its initial beneficiaries. This is its own win. I am excited... #CMS #dementiacare #GUIDE #geropsychiatry #implementationscience #populationhealth #collaborativecare #Medicare #CMMI #GUIDEModel

Dementia diagnosis delays in the U.K. have reached a record high, with patients now waiting an average of five months for an NHS diagnosis. Dementia is a growing problem worldwide, including in the U.S. Quality care and planning are essential. Learn more about aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, long-term care, and retirement planning by using the resources available on LTC NEWS. https://lnkd.in/gcV6nvma

Barriers to hospice care for individuals with dementia can be multifaceted and complex. Dementia is often underdiagnosed or diagnosed late, leading to delayed referrals to hospice care. Patients should be allowed to plan their care as much as possible, which makes it essential to have clear conversations about diagnosis and prognosis. Unfortunately, when not done, patients will have shorter hospice stays and less effective end-of-life care. Predicting the trajectory of dementia is challenging, making it difficult to determine when a patient qualifies for hospice care. Medicare criteria require a prognosis of six months or less. We should revisit this criterion as not every end-of-life patient, especially those patients with dementia will meet it before needing and benefiting from the support of a hospice interdisciplinary team. 👇 #palliative #palliativemedicine #palliativecare #hospice #hospicecare #endoflifecare #soinspalliatifs #cuidadospaliativos #palliativezorg #hpm #hapc

As a caregiver for dementia patients, it can be difficult to calm them down when they are experiencing symptoms of agitation and confusion. However, with the right techniques and understanding, you can help provide comfort and support for your loved one. Dementia patients often experience symptoms such as agitation, confusion, and frustration, which can be distressing for both the patient and their caregivers. It is important to remember that these symptoms are a result of the changes happening in the brain and are not intentional, and approach these situations with patience, empathy, and understanding. When a dementia patient is feeling agitated or confused, it is important to remain calm and composed. Your body language and tone of voice can have a significant impact on the patient's behavior. So, it is important to speak soothingly and reassuringly, avoiding raising your voice or becoming agitated yourself, as this can escalate the situation further. Redirecting the patient's attention to a different activity or topic can also help calm them down. Engaging in familiar and comforting activities, such as listening to music or looking at old photos, can help the patient feel more at ease. It is important to be flexible and adaptable, as the patient's needs and preferences may change from day to day. Creating a calm and safe environment for the patient is also important in helping them feel more secure. Eliminate any potential triggers for agitation, such as loud noises or crowded spaces, and ensure that the patient feels comfortable and supported. Additionally, it can be helpful to establish a routine for the patient, as this can provide a sense of predictability and stability. Consistency and familiarity can help reduce feelings of confusion and anxiety for the patient. Finally, caregivers need to take care of themselves as well. Caring for a dementia patient can be emotionally and physically draining, so it is important to seek support from friends, family, or support groups. Taking breaks and practicing self-care can help caregivers stay grounded and better equipped to provide comfort and support for their loved ones. ⁣ ***𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫, 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝*** #DementiaAwareness #Caregivers

Initiating Hospice For Senior Dementia Patients: Best Timing Deciding when to call hospice for an elderly parent with dementia can be one of the most difficult and emotional choices a family ever has to make. At a certain point, curative treatment may no longer be beneficial, and the focus should shift to ensuring the patient’s comfort and quality of life in their remaining time. This is where hospice care comes in.

More important research coming out of UC Davis Heath about the challenges facing caregivers of those living with dementia. Fortunately, our Healthy Aging Clinic at UC Davis Health offers caregiver consultations for caregivers of clinic patients. However, in most cases the social safety net is so thin in how it supports those living with Alzheimer's and dementia. So many people depend on their family and friends as their caregivers, and when something unfortunately happens to their caregiver, one's daily care can be taken away. Hopefully our local, state, and federal leaders prioritize this critical issue, particularly when our state's population continues to age. https://lnkd.in/gXZp288S

The #Alzheimer'sAssociation published a special report as a comprehensive publication about the #PatientJourney with consideration for the impact on #caregivers and costs for care. This is a great resource for you and your teams, as well as your resident's loved ones. https://loom.ly/WVUOzt4

For people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, visits to the Emergency Department and hospitalizations are not uncommon. Whether starting out from home or from a skilled nursing facility, these visits pose unique challenges and risks. Learn more in the new blog, Dementia: Emergency Department Visits & Hospitalizations: https://loom.ly/nSazcug #guidestareldercare #dementiacare #eldercare

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that leads to a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning abilities. Facing Alzheimer’s disease can be scary and it's important to acknowledge that it won't disappear or improve over time. However, early detection and diagnosis of this progressive disease can lead to more effective treatments, prolonged independence, the ability to make personal decisions, and improved overall well-being. To help with early detection, Homewatch CareGivers shares 4 early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease that family caregivers should pay attention to. Find out more at https://lnkd.in/e_vMuSmc #seniorcare #caregiving

Older adults with serious illnesses often experience social and economic barriers that make it difficult for them to receive the proper care. In a recent commentary piece for the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS), DPHS’ Brystana Kaufman (she/her) covers the new Medicare payment model for dementia care called GUIDE and the implications it could have for future models: https://lnkd.in/ehsiwJNP #populationhealth #patientcare #dementiacare