Making ER Visits Less Stressful for Alzheimer’s Patients and Caregivers

By: Jamie R. Anderson, RN, V.P. Healthcare – Autumn Leaves, for SENIOR Magazine

Trips to the Emergency Room (ER) can be stressful, especially for a person living with Alzheimer’s or another form of memory impairment. Symptoms and behaviors of memory impairment vary greatly between individuals, and it can be difficult for ER staff to know how each person will react in this situation. Following are some tips for professionals and caregivers to use as guidelines:

Be patient

Alzheimer’s patients can become agitated and confused in an unfamiliar environment. Caregivers and ER staff should stay composed and be patient with each other and the Alzheimer’s individual. Keeping the situation calm allows staff and caregivers to focus on the patient’s needs.

Interact with both the caregiver and the patient

The Alzheimer’s patient may not be able to answer questions or sign forms. Ask the caregiver if the patient can do these things. If not, address your questions to the caregiver and include the patient in the conversation by using their name, looking at them and using other nonverbal cues.

Keep instructions simple

Alzheimer’s patients respond better when you clearly and simply tell them what you are doing – from examining a wound to taking their blood pressure. Avoid asking the patient if you can examine them, use instead, simple statements and calm tones to explain what you are doing.

Be creative

The Alzheimer’s patient may not remember hurting themselves or know why they are in the hospital. Don’t try to convince the patent that they are ill/hurt; come up with another reason why you are examining them or need to take them to a procedure room.

Keep the family caregiver with the patient

To ease a patient’s confusion, allow the caregiver to stay with them as often as possible. Or, provide a familiar object (like a picture of their family member) if the patient must be taken somewhere without the caregiver.

Autumn Leaves professional caregiving staff is trained to provide specialized care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of memory impairment. For more information on any of Autumn Leaves’ communities, call visit www.AutumnLeavesLiving.com.