Lorraine Poulos

Check out: Alzheimer’s Association www.fightdementia.org.au Restrictive Practices Factors that contribute to restlessness and agitation: • pain • delirium • hunger & thirst • loss of role • reduced activities • unvalidated grief • lack of comfort (temperature, clothing, continence) • lack of purpose, role and connections Restrictive Practices Understanding client dignity and rights Suggested Interventions MY WELLBEING • Undertake delirium screen • Provide increased snacks (low GI) throughout day / evening • Position cups (bright strong colours) in various places around the home to increase fluids • Add cordial to water (lemon barley or lemon, lime & bitters cordials are popular) • Ensure clothes are fitting comfortably • Review footwear and change in afternoon to safe comfortable slippers • Encourage after lunch nap if fatigue a factor in late afternoon • Provide foot / lower leg gentle massage to help circulation and chronic pain • Record helpful phrases / storylines that are good for calming when upset MY ENVIRONMENT • Manage stimulation – check with me if noise and light levels are OK • Avoid TV or radio current affairs / news if there are negative reactions or delusional thinking • Provide short walks outside / along the street in the morning before I tire • Provide memory prompts (pictorial and word) on cupboards to reduce frustration • Provide foci of meaning and activities around the home inside and outside: – baskets of washing to fold or hang on the line – tools to tidy – leaves to sweep – garden beds to weed – balls of wool to sort – photos to sort and chat about – silverware to polish – drawers to rummage through