Here’s How to Treat Dementia

A Comprehensive Guide to Dementia Care: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Documentation

By Jennifer L. Loehr and Megan L. Malone

Navigating the complexities of dementia care requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses assessment, planning, and discharge. Enter “Here’s How to Treat Dementia,” the only all-inclusive field manual specifically tailored to assist therapists working with dementia patients.

This transformative resource empowers speech-language pathologists with the essential knowledge and tools to accurately diagnose, effectively treat, and meticulously document the care of dementia patients. Transcending the limitations of a mere cookbook approach, this manual delves into the intricacies of dementia, providing invaluable insights into its staging, goal setting (with detailed documentation guidance), and cutting-edge treatment advancements.

The authors, renowned for their expertise in dementia care, impart indispensable functional tips and intervention strategies that foster critical thinking in clinicians. This enables them to devise innovative and individualized care plans that cater to the unique strengths and weaknesses of each patient.

Beyond its comprehensive content, the user-friendly manual boasts a wealth of reproducible forms and informative handouts. These materials facilitate patient and family education, resource guidance, data collection, and streamlined documentation.

Assessment

A thorough assessment forms the bedrock of effective dementia care. The manual equips therapists with a comprehensive understanding of the various assessment tools and techniques employed to evaluate cognitive function, language abilities, and communication challenges. By skillfully interpreting these assessments, therapists can precisely pinpoint the patient’s strengths and areas for improvement.

Planning

Drawing upon the assessment findings, therapists can embark on the crucial task of planning patient care. The manual provides a structured approach to goal setting, ensuring that each goal is SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound). Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of meticulous documentation, ensuring that the patient’s progress and any adjustments to the care plan are meticulously recorded.

Treatment

The manual delves into a wide range of evidence-based treatment strategies designed to address the diverse challenges faced by dementia patients. These include:

• Cognitive stimulation therapy
• Language therapy
• Speech therapy
• Swallowing therapy
• Augmentative and alternative communication
• Environmental and behavior management

The authors offer practical guidance on implementing these therapies, empowering therapists to tailor interventions to the patient’s specific needs and maximize their communication abilities.

Discharge

As patients progress through their dementia journey, the manual provides guidance on preparing for discharge from therapy. Therapists are equipped with tools for effective discharge planning, ensuring a smooth transition to the patient’s home or other care setting.

“Here’s How to Treat Dementia” is an indispensable resource for speech-language pathologists and other healthcare professionals working with the dementia population. Its comprehensive approach, practical guidance, and reproducible materials empower therapists to provide the highest quality of care to these individuals.