Nurses can play a critical role in helping caregivers and families obtain the support they need to care for their family member, whether at home or in an institution. If family members plan to care for the person at home, the nurse should prepare them for services they may need over the long term. 7 Nurses working with the elderly in the community and in nursing homes need to be knowledgeable about the care of people with dementia and the costs and quality of care provided in various settings. 5,12 Families may look to nurses to help them make decisions about nursing home placement, including the choice of facility, and to provide information about the care to expect. 4 Families may be tempted to use unproven therapies in the hope of finding something that will benefit their loved one.
Nurses can help families assess the validity of specific treatment approaches.
13 Nurses also provide valuable support by simply listening to the caregiver and family as they deal with the tragic consequences of dementia. A growing body of genetic research, particularly in the genetic etiology of AD, may produce answers to help us prevent or cure this tragic disease. Until then, nurses will be in the forefront with other healthcare professionals, providing support to the people with AD, their families, and their caregivers. References Hall, G.R., et al. Helping the Alzheimer's and Dementia Patient .