Eating and Drinking Many people with dementia and acute confusion need assistance to eat food and drink fluids in sufficient quantity. Sometimes the type of assistance is straight forward such as making sure the plate of food is within reach and food is cut up in to bite size pieces. At other times assistance may need to be more creatively offered. For example seeking help from family and carers, offering food whilst someone is on the move or sitting with the person whilst they eat and drink and creating a social atmosphere. Working together Older people with a dementia or acute confusion need health professionals to work together so that the care and treatment they receive is timely and appropriate to all their needs.
Team working is essential for discharge planning.
Discharge Planning Older people with a dementia or acute confusion will need a discharge plan. Many people with dementia and most of those with an acute confusion will need community support on discharge. This means planning must include other health and social care professionals before the day of discharge. The day set for discharge must take account of community service availability. Ward based knowledge and links A member of your ward team needs to have a detailed knowledge about the needs of older people, and about dementia including Alzheimer's disease, and be able to help the rest of the team develop their knowledge.