Where to turn when dementia reaches crisis point
Dementia is having a growing impact on individuals, families, health services and aged care systems, with around 447,000 people across Australia living with the debilitating disease.
A rapid outreach service is providing vital assistance to people living with dementia and their carers when they reach crisis point.
The Metro North Older Persons Emergency Network (OPEN) Dementia Crisis Service provides expert treatment and support for people with dementia experiencing severe behavioural and psychological symptoms.
With around 447,000 people currently living with dementia across Australia, a figure expected to more than double by 2065, there is a growing impact of the debilitating disease on individuals, families, health services and aged care systems.
The OPEN Dementia Crisis Service brings together specialist geriatric medicine, nursing and allied health professionals who provide assessment and intervention when a person’s symptoms rapidly change.
Specialist Geriatrician Dr Iushi Khetani said that for a person living with dementia, a sudden change in behaviour, distress or function can be frightening and overwhelming, both for the individual and those caring for them.
“People with dementia can experience a range of behavioural and psychological symptoms which present in different ways,” Dr Khetani said.
“A person may become increasingly distressed, depressed, agitated or withdrawn; experience changes in sleep or mobility; refuse essential care; wander; or behave in ways that are significantly different from their usual demeanour.
“As symptoms worsen, so does the need for daily support, especially if a person’s symptoms start affecting their personal safety or ability to remain at home.
“Patients or carers may reach a crisis point where they become highly distressed and feel like they can no longer cope.”
The Dementia Crisis Service team works quickly to understand what may be contributing to the person’s distress.
“This includes considering unmet physical or emotional needs, pain, illness, medication, delirium, changes in environment, communication difficulties and other factors that may be difficult for a person with dementia to express,” she said.
“The service conducts a comprehensive assessment and collaboration with the person, their family or carers, residential aged care providers and other health professionals to develop individualised strategies aimed at reducing distress.
“Where appropriate, the team provides assessment and intervention in the person’s normal environment to help avoid an unnecessary admission to hospital.
“The service also provides support and education for those caring for the person with dementia.
“By working closely with families, carers and aged-care teams, we help build understanding of what may be driving a crisis and develop practical strategies that can continue beyond the immediate intervention.
“This equips carers and families with the tools to support them to continue providing high quality, dignified person-centred care for as long as possible.”
For more information visit the Metro North Older Persons Emergency Network Dementia Crisis Service page.