Khera Kim
TPCH’s Internal Medicine Service has recently welcomed a new nurse practitioner to support patients with delirium and dementia.
Khera Kim is Metro North’s first-ever Nurse Practitioner, Delirium and Dementia, assisting with the specialised nursing care and management of patients with delirium and dementia.
As part of the Dementia, Delirium and Cognitive Impairment team, Khera provides specialised nursing care and support to individuals with delirium or dementia while in hospital and following discharge.
Khera, who has spent over a decade caring for patients and families impacted by cognitive impairment, said caring for someone with delirium or dementia is challenging due to the complex changes in the person’s cognitive, behavioural and functional abilities.
“Individuals with delirium can experience significant and sudden changes in their level of alertness or consciousness, ability to focus and remember things, understanding of what is happening around them or expressing themselves,” Khera said.
“Individuals living with dementia often experience slow but progressive changes in their ability to think, remember, reason and function physically on a day-to-day basis.
“This can be unsettling not only to the person living with dementia but also for those caring for them, especially for those with modest knowledge about the disease and available support.
“My role is to partner with patients, and their loved ones to develop practical and straightforward person-centred care plans throughout their journey in TPCH facilities and back to their usual dwelling place.”
Khera also works closely with staff across Metro North residential aged care facilities to develop care systems and initiatives to provide high quality management and care for patients diagnosed with delirium or living with dementia.
It is envisaged that as the role progresses, Khera will also provide inpatient consultancy services, outpatient follow-ups, and outreach services for patients admitted to TPCH or living within the hospital’s catchment area, as well as staff support through consultancy, education and mentorship.
“The journey of living with dementia and delirium for patients and loved ones is difficult, so it essential that people get the right support so they can feel empowered to manage their health and symptoms in their own environment,” Khera said.
“My aim is to be a catalyst for improved practice so I can make a positive difference to how we deliver care to some of our most vulnerable patients.”