Elderly Patient with Fractured Hip and Dementia

Description

Client Overview:
We are a caring family dedicated to providing the best possible care for our beloved grandmother, an 85-year-old woman who has recently suffered a fractured hip and is living with dementia. Her condition requires specialized attention to ensure proper post-operative care, effective pain management, and assistance with activities of daily living tailored to her cognitive impairment. We are seeking compassionate nursing support to provide personalized care and enhance her comfort and well-being during this challenging time.

Project Overview:
We are seeking an experienced nurse to join our caregiving team on a contractual basis, with a focus on providing specialized care for our grandmother following her hip fracture and in the context of her dementia diagnosis. This role involves post-operative care, pain management, and assistance with activities of daily living adapted to her cognitive impairment.

Responsibilities:

Post-operative Care: Provide comprehensive post-operative care to our grandmother following her hip fracture, including monitoring vital signs, wound care, assistance with mobility, and prevention of complications such as infection and pressure ulcers.
Pain Management: Assist in managing pain associated with the hip fracture, utilizing pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological pain relief techniques, and comfort measures tailored to our grandmother’s needs and preferences. Monitor pain levels regularly and adjust treatment as needed for optimal pain relief.
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living: Provide assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding, tailored to our grandmother’s cognitive impairment. Utilize gentle prompts, cues, and hands-on assistance as needed to facilitate independence and ensure safety.
Cognitive Support: Offer cognitive support and stimulation to our grandmother, engaging her in activities that are appropriate for her cognitive level and interests, such as reminiscence therapy, sensory stimulation, and simple games or puzzles. Foster a supportive and nurturing environment conducive to cognitive well-being.
Family Education: Provide education and guidance to family members on caring for a loved one with dementia and a hip fracture, including communication strategies, understanding dementia symptoms, managing challenging behaviors, and promoting safety and comfort at home.
Collaboration: Collaborate closely with healthcare providers, including orthopedic surgeons, geriatricians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, to ensure coordinated care and optimize treatment strategies for our grandmother’s hip fracture and dementia. Communicate regularly with family members to provide updates on her condition, address concerns, and adjust care plans as needed.
Requirements:

Certification as a registered nurse with experience in orthopedic nursing, geriatric nursing, or dementia care.
Proficiency in post-operative care for individuals with hip fractures, including knowledge of wound care techniques, mobilization protocols, and prevention of complications.
Familiarity with pain management techniques for older adults with cognitive impairment, and experience in tailoring interventions to individual needs and preferences.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide compassionate support to patients and their families dealing with complex health challenges.
Compassion, empathy, and a genuine commitment to improving the quality of life for older adults living with dementia and their families.

Patient Case:
Home Care for Fractured Hip and Dementia

Patient: 85-year-old woman

Condition: The patient has suffered a fractured hip and is living with dementia, requiring specialized nursing care at home to manage post-operative recovery, pain, and activities of daily living tailored to her cognitive impairment.

Care Plan:

Post-operative Care: Provide comprehensive post-operative care, including monitoring vital signs, wound care, assistance with mobility, and prevention of complications such as infection and pressure ulcers. Monitor for signs of post-operative complications and communicate any concerns to healthcare providers for timely intervention.
Pain Management: Assist in managing pain associated with the hip fracture, utilizing pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological pain relief techniques, and comfort measures tailored to the patient’s needs and preferences. Monitor pain levels regularly and adjust treatment as needed for optimal pain relief and comfort.
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living: Provide assistance with activities of daily living tailored to the patient’s cognitive impairment, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding. Utilize gentle prompts, cues, and hands-on assistance as needed to facilitate independence and ensure safety.
Cognitive Support: Offer cognitive support and stimulation to the patient, engaging her in activities appropriate for her cognitive level and interests, such as reminiscence therapy, sensory stimulation, and simple games or puzzles. Foster a supportive and nurturing environment conducive to cognitive well-being.
Family Education: Provide education and guidance to family members on caring for a loved one with dementia and a hip fracture, including communication strategies, understanding dementia symptoms, managing challenging behaviors, and promoting safety and comfort at home. Offer resources and referrals to support groups or community services as needed to enhance family coping and well-being.
Collaboration: Collaborate closely with healthcare providers, including orthopedic surgeons, geriatricians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, to ensure coordinated care and optimize treatment strategies for the patient’s hip fracture and dementia. Communicate regularly with family members to provide updates on the patient’s condition, address concerns, and adjust care plans as needed.