Take Time to Know the Alzheimer’s Patient

When my mom entered the nursing home, among the admission paperwork and medical history, was a questionnaire about her likes and dislikes, family background, career, where she’d lived, etc.  Also, the dieticians wanted to know about any food allergies, of course.  They also wanted me to list her favorite foods and those she disliked.

Eventually, they asked me to put together a small photo album with pictures of family members, as well as her most recent home and girlhood home, if possible.

All of this helped the staff know my mom better and hopefully care for her better.  I felt this showed they cared enough to get to know each Alzheimer’s patient.

A news article recently appeared in the Express and Star, a UK newspaper, Patient details to help care, about learning more about Alzheimer’s patients in order to give better care.

“Nurses are being asked to find out about the hobbies and work history of patients at Dudley’s main hospital to help improve treatment.”  To achieve this, relatives have been asked to fill out questionnaires.  This should enable staff to meet the needs of the patients better and provide individualized care.

It is difficult for staff of hospitals, nursing homes and nursing homes to know each patient individually, especially if it is a large establishment.  However, something like these questionnaires keeps the information at their fingertips (maybe a “mouse click” nowadays) to enable them to personalize care.