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Physical and mental fatigue and changes in physical condition following disaster and prolonged evacuation are associated with an increase in the number of elderly people with dementia and aggravation of its symptoms. Therefore, it is important to monitor the following:
Assessment of dementia
| 1. |
Monitor physical function: vital signs,
dehydration, constipation, incontinence and pain |
| 2. |
ADL
| 1. |
Assess attention to and ability to concentrate on meals, refusal to eat and overeating |
| 2. |
General toileting state, understanding of toileting methods and unclean behavior |
| 3. |
Attention to cleanliness and grooming, and ability to clean themselves |
| 4. |
Spontaneously speech, expression of will and personal exchange |
|
| 3. |
Cognitive function: memory disorder, disorientation and misjudgment |
| 4. |
Behavioral disorder: hallucination, delusion, aimless wandering, unclean behavior, pica |
Problems in the above 1-4 indicate aggravation of dementia or manifestation of symptoms. The following coping methods are required:
Coping methods in elderly residents with dementia
| 1. |
1. Regulate rhythm of the life and ensure a stable environment |
| 2. |
Evaluate support by family members and caregivers and determine whether living in temporary housing is possible or not |
| 3. |
Instruct the caregiver on the following points of dementia care, when living in temporary housing is possible with support by family members and caregivers:
| 1. |
Family members/caregivers should help elderly people do as much as
they can do in life, with assistance when necessary |
| 2. |
Caregivers should try to regulate rhythm of the life |
| 3. |
Caregivers should prevent elderly residents from becoming housebound by creating opportunities for them to go out, for example to go shopping or to take a walk |
|
| 4. |
Ask neighbors to be understanding of the needs of elderly residents with dementia and to cooperate with caregivers in assisting them |
| 5. |
When living in temporary housing is impossible, make arrangements for emergency short stays in long-term care institutions, after discussion with public health nurses, welfare-associated members and care support counselors |
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Increase of elderly persons with dementia
