In the Journey map Keng shares his experience of living with dementia and moving to a residential aged care facility (RACF) at the age of 82 years. For Keng and his wife Mei, the experience was at times stressful. Here we look at what could have been done to improve Keng’s journey and the experience of his family.
1. Focus on the person not the condition
As dementia progresses, people need more support with everyday tasks and to express their own wishes. Helping Keng to be part of conversations might have reduced his agitation before and on arrival at the RACF. What else might a person with dementia want your help with?
For help with this, check out the palliAGED Practice Tip Sheet:
2. Underlying issues and changed behaviour
Changed behaviour in people with dementia often signals unmet or unrecognised needs. The diversional therapist’s approach no longer helped to calm Keng. This change signalled the need to look for underlying causes.
What common reasons for changed behaviour in people with dementia do you know? For help with this look at the palliAGED Tip Sheet:
2. Underlying issues and changed behaviour
Changed behaviour in people with dementia often signals unmet or unrecognised needs. The diversional therapist’s approach no longer helped to calm Keng. This change signalled the need to look for underlying causes.
What common reasons for changed behaviour in people with dementia do you know? For help with this look at the palliAGED Tip Sheet:
3. Supporting families
Talking with families and keeping them informed and consulted about their loved one is part of supporting them. The RACF staff could have supported Mei by asking how she was coping. What else do you think they could have done for Mei?
The support needs of families vary, to learn more about what you can do, check out the palliAGED Tip Sheet:
4. Cultural sensitivity
Cultural sensitivity includes asking and not assuming what a person might want. In the hospital staff speaking Keng’s language helped him to settle. In the RACF Suzanne talked with Keng and Mei. How would you start a conversation to find out someone's cultural preferences?
If you need help with this, check out the palliAGED Practice Tip Sheet:
4. Cultural sensitivity
Cultural sensitivity includes asking and not assuming what a person might want. In the hospital staff speaking Keng’s language helped him to settle. In the RACF Suzanne talked with Keng and Mei. How would you start a conversation to find out someone's cultural preferences?
If you need help with this, check out the palliAGED Practice Tip Sheet:
5. Next steps
Now that you have thought about Keng and Mei’s experience, talk with your supervisor and co-workers about what is done in your organisation to support older people with dementia and their families. Discuss what you and your organisation could do to understand any cultural needs they may have.
Would you like to hear about other journeys in aged care and what you could do to help?
Page created 27 April 2023