Late-Stage Dementia Care: A Basic Guide [Hardcover]

C. R. Kovach (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1996 | ISBN-10: 1560325143 | ISBN-13: 978-1560325147 | Edition: 1

People with mid-stage dementia are served by special care units in long-term care facilities, although as these residents deteriorate, they are transferred out of the unit and into a general nursing home unit. These nursing homes are not equipped to deal with palliative needs of end-stage dementia care. The book addresses those needs. With this in mind, Part One examines the stages of dementia (end-stage in particular). Other chapters in this section provide background on the hospice movement and hospice concepts; the idea of maintaining personhood; and administration of a late-stage care unit. Part Two focuses on treatment approaches for common needs in end-stage dementia - medical and physical care; a supportive environment; the fundamentals of care; psychopharmacology; and therapeutic activities. Part 3 contains chapters on family-centred care; legal and ethical issues; programme evaluation; and future opportunities.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 220 pages
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis; 1 edition (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560325143
• ISBN-13: 978-1560325147
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,768,413 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A practical guide to programming in late stage dementia care, June 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Late-Stage Dementia Care: A Basic Guide (Paperback)

There are many books available about programming in the early and middle stages of dementia. This is the first book I've read about programming in the later stages of dementia. The author discusses the concept of the "dementia hospice." She takes the approach that people in end-stage dementia should be treated as human beings with feelings and needs that can be addressed and met.

I especially appreciated the section about the supportive environment. The environment seems to be a critical piece of the dementia care puzzle.

I recommend this book to anyone who cares for those with dementia.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential for the caregiver, August 8, 2006

By 

someone in the audience (Colorado) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Late-Stage Dementia Care: A Basic Guide (Paperback)

If you are caring for a family member with Alzheimer's, this book provides a peer reviewed foundation for understanding and preparing for their needs as they progress beyond Stage 2.

It explains what we know. It explains what we don't know. It provides case studies to clarify discussions. It offers guidance and tools for communication, nutrition, bathing, medical, and emotional support. It discusses end of life issues and provides a framework and vocabulary for discussing these things with the person's doctor and any caregivers that may be helping you.

For institutional readers, this book describes the special care unit as defined by the NIH for dementia patients in late stage. I have been advised that the VA Healthcare System has done a good job of implementing this model for the care of veterans with dementia. For caregivers it provides a comprehensive basis for assessing the capabilities of other skilled care facilities should placement become a need or consideration.