Maximizing comfort for the person with dementia:

Nursing care approaches that work across the continuum of care

Abstract

Dementia is a progressive terminal condition for which there is no cure. Alzheimer's disease is prevalent in 60–80% of all dementias. Those with Alzheimer's disease may suffer from well-intentioned, albeit uncomfortable treatments and nursing interventions, particularly as the person encounters increasing physical and mental decline and approaches the end-of-life. As the progression of dementia robs a person of their memory, ability to speak, and care for themselves, nursing professionals and family caregivers may not know the best practices in caring for these individuals. This paper incorporates a case study with an interdisciplinary team approach to illustrate the possibilities in providing positive caring interventions for the person with advanced dementia.