An 83, year old woman is recovering from pneumonia. She has Alzheimer’s disease and has become increasingly hostile and unmanageable in the home setting. Her 65, year old daughter is distraught about the idea of placing her mother in a long term care facility but feels she is not able to care for her. The original post must be at least in length • What is your role in this situation? • How might you help the daughter with her decision?
Title: The Role of a Healthcare Professional in Assisting a Daughter’s Decision to Place Her Mother with Alzheimer’s Disease in a Long-Term Care Facility
Introduction:
In this scenario, an 83-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s disease is recovering from pneumonia. Her daughter, concerned about her mother’s increasing hostility and unmanageable behavior, is contemplating placing her in a long-term care facility. As a healthcare professional, my role is to provide support and guidance to the daughter during this critical decision-making process. This essay aims to explore strategies to assist the daughter in making an informed decision and address her concerns.
Understanding the Needs of the Patient:
Before offering guidance, it is crucial to thoroughly assess the patient’s condition, particularly her current needs and safety. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by cognitive decline and changes in behavior. Given the mother’s increasing hostility and unmanageability, it is vital to prioritize her safety and address any potential risks to her well-being. Thus, the decision to consider long-term care must be based on a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s needs.
Empathy and Emotional Support:
When facing the prospect of placing a loved one in a long-term care facility, it is natural for the daughter to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, guilt, and distress. As a healthcare professional, it is essential to listen empathically and provide emotional support, acknowledging the daughter’s concerns, and validating her emotions. By fostering an open and understanding environment, the daughter may feel more comfortable discussing her fears and hesitations about the decision.
Educating on Care Options:
As part of my role, I will provide the daughter with comprehensive information about the available care options, including the benefits and drawbacks of each. This can include in-home care, adult day programs, and long-term care facilities. By offering detailed explanations and realistic expectations, the daughter can make a more informed decision that aligns with her mother’s needs and her own capabilities.
In-home Care:
One option to explore with the daughter is the possibility of in-home care. While trying to keep the mother at home may be the daughter’s preference, it is important to assess the feasibility and safety of this option. Factors such as the daughter’s own availability, caregiving skills, and the availability of professional caregivers should be considered. It is crucial to evaluate whether the daughter can provide round-the-clock care and whether this arrangement would ensure the mother’s physical and emotional well-being.
Adult Day Programs:
Another option to discuss with the daughter is the availability of adult day programs. These programs provide a structured environment where the mother can participate in activities and receive care during the day, while returning home in the evenings. Attending an adult day program can provide socialization opportunities for the mother, offer respite for the daughter, and delay the need for long-term care placement. However, the daughter’s ability to manage the mother’s needs outside of program hours and the suitability of the mother’s condition for such programs should be assessed ad communicated clearly.
Evaluating Long-Term Care Facilities:
Considering the mother’s advancing Alzheimer’s disease and increasingly unmanageable behavior, a long-term care facility may ultimately be the most appropriate option. As a healthcare professional, I will provide the daughter with information about reputable long-term care facilities in the area, offering insight into their expertise in Alzheimer’s care, accommodations, staff-to-patient ratio, and safety protocols. This information can assist the daughter in making an informed decision and alleviate concerns about the quality of care her mother would receive.
Addressing Concerns:
As the daughter navigates the decision-making process, it is crucial to address her concerns and answer any questions she may have. Common concerns include the quality of care, affordability, proximity to family, and the emotional impact on both the mother and daughter. By providing factual information and discussing potential solutions, such as financial resources or support groups, I can help alleviate some of the daughter’s worries and assist her in making a more confident decision.
Conclusion:
As a healthcare professional, my role in assisting the daughter in deciding to place her mother with Alzheimer’s disease in a long-term care facility involves understanding the patient’s needs, providing empathy and emotional support, and educating her about the available care options. By offering comprehensive information and addressing her concerns, I aim to empower the daughter to make an informed decision that promotes the safety and well-being of her mother while considering her own capabilities and emotional well-being.