Nursing Home Abuse News

Nursing Home Residents with Alzheimer's Disease

Today, approximately 4.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. This number is expected to rise as people live longer and the age of the average population gradually increases. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease; however, researches do make important progress every day.

Since the majority of people in nursing homes are elderly, dealing with Alzheimer's is a common problem in nursing homes. This overview provides some basic information about the disease, its signs and symptoms, special problems, and its treatment, particularly as they relate to the nursing home setting.

Causes of the disease

At this point, the exact causes of the disease are unknown, but researchers assure the public that the disease is not simply an effect of "old age." Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of "dementia." It is characterized by the progressive worsening and destruction of the brain's nerve cells. The characteristic dementia is caused as the disease targets certain parts of a person's brain. As the neurons become damaged and die, the brain's neurotransmitters begin to have signaling problems that affect the brain's ability to function normally.

Signs of the disease

There are certain telltale signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. First, there may be difficulty when dealing with numbers. This includes everyday activities such as addition and subtraction, counting change, and balancing a checkbook. Second, memory problems are very common. In the beginning, the memory problems may be mild, but as the disease persists, the problems become increasingly troubling. Indications of memory problems can include misplacing personal belongings and forgetting names and phone numbers. Next, people with the disease may also suffer personality changes and mood swings. These changes may lead to aggressive or inappropriate behavior and depression. Finally, there will likely be difficulty when trying to solve everyday problems that require planning and foresight. This may make it difficult or even impossible for the person to live without a caregiver's assistance.

Some of these symptoms can be the results of the aging process. However, when the symptoms begin to affect a person's life drastically, there is reason for concern. To be safe, a person suffering from these symptoms should visit a doctor to discuss Alzheimer's screening options. The effects of the disease cannot be reversed, but early treatment improves the chances of slowing the symptoms.

Special problems at nursing homes

Alzheimer's disease affects different people much differently. In general, it almost always affects a person's short-term memory and ability to reason. However, it can also cause a person to act violently and inappropriately. Persons with the disease may wander aimlessly, become nervous, suspicious, and difficult to care for, in general.

Providing care for people who suffer from Alzheimer's disease can be especially challenging in a nursing home setting. For example, persons with the disease may become hostile and violent. This may include shouting or physical violence such as destroying property or physically harming themselves or other residents. The violence may stem from confusion, frustration, delusions, or reactions to certain medications.

Federal standards govern nursing homes that receive federal funding. Under these standards, nursing homes are compelled to provide "necessary care and services to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being." 42 C.F.R. § 483.25. Therefore, a nursing home must provide the requisite supervision and planning needed to maintain safety at the residence. This is especially necessary when there are potentially violent residents. A nursing home may be liable when it fails in its duty to maintain safety for all of its residents.

Treatments and Solutions

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, there are medications and caregiver suggestions that can help when dealing with the disease.

The following are some considerations regarding care and treatment of Alzheimer's patients:

• It is possible to use medication to reduce the progression of the disease and its symptoms.
  
  
• The creation of a safe environment is essential. This includes locking potentially dangerous items and reducing clutter.
  
  
• There must always be supervision to help avoid wandering, violent behaviors, and to reduce the possibility of injury.
  
  
• There should be effective communication and assistance in everyday activities, which often requires great patience.
  
  
• A caregiver may use memory aids to help the resident maintain a level of independence.
  
  
• Physical exercise will improve both physical and mental health.

Conclusion

Alzheimer's disease can be frustrating for all parties involved. This frustration can lead to violence and abuse. However, with effective oversight and care, nursing homes can drastically improve and protect the lives of both residents with the disease and those who live around them. Unfortunately, not all nursing homes are successful. If you, or a loved one, have been the victim of nursing home violence or abuse, contact an elder law attorney to discuss your legal options.

Form: Nursing Home Residents with Alzheimer's Disease

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Nursing Home Residents with Alzheimer's Disease

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