Assignment
Case Study:
Jim is a 68 year old indigenous man. He has been diagnosed with moderate stage dementia caused by Alzheimer's Disease. He has lived on his own and his family visit on a regular basis to check on him. The local council provides a carer every Monday and Thursday to assist Jim with his shower and Jim attends an indigenous PAG on Tuesdays and Fridays. Recently Jim shows little interest in attending PAG whereas previously he had enjoyed attending and spending time with other elders who attend the group. His family assist him to cook meals every day and take him shopping once a week. His sister cleans his house and does his laundry. Prior to Jim being diagnosed with dementia he was an avid painter and is known in the community as an Aboriginal artist who uses the traditional methods to paint. He also previously liked to hunt and grow traditional vegetables and herbs for his family. Recently Jim has become increasingly confused and it is becoming difficult to hold a conversation with him. He is also becoming unco-operative with his shower and as a result his hygiene is suffering. Jim has also started to wander out into the bush so his family have resorted to locking him in the house between their visits as they fear that he will lose his way or get injured. Jim's family are distressed by his memory loss and his inability to recognise family and friends at times and some are finding it difficult to understand what is happening with him. Some members of the family are resentful for having to care for him. Jim has no understanding of what is happening and does not know what all of the fuss is about. He is often abusive towards both carers and family. He is not happy to have someone assisting him with his shower. You are the new carer who has been asked to provide care for Jim. You find the situation stressful as you have not worked within the indigenous community before. You also work long hours and have your own family to look after.
1. Describe 5 physical changes and behaviours of concern that are occurring because Jim has Alzheimer's disease.
2. What physical changes are occurring to Jim's brain as a result of Alzheimer's disease?
3. What impact is the situation having on Jim's family?
4. What other services could be utilised or changes made to services being delivered, to assist the family in caring for Jim?
5. You have been asked to provide respite for Jim as well as attend to his personal care.
6. What activities do you think may be suitable to meet Jim's needs and interests?
7. How would you gather information about Jim's needs when commencing to provide his care?
8. What can you do to reduce your stress levels?
9. On arriving at work one morning you notice that Jim has a cut above his eye. When you ask him what happened he tells you that his grandson hit him because he didn't have any money to give him.
10. What steps should you follow in this scenario?