The Mentally Impaired Elderly

Provide effective support and sensitive care for the most vulnerable segment of the elderly population--those with mental impairment--with the helpful methods and practical strategies outlined in this invaluable new book. Because of the increasing number of older persons with memory impairments, mental health problems, and Alzheimer's disease, it is clear that interventions to delay the loss of function in mentally impaired older adults are desperately needed. The Mentally Impaired Elderly offers optimistic guidelines for caregivers of the mentally impaired elderly and demonstrates through the use of theoretical models, research, and clinical evidence that persons with dementia can participate in activities and family life longer than previously thought. Interventions are demonstrated for maintaining the function level of the mentally impaired elderly by focusing on controlling the environment to increase the patients self-care ability, resulting in lower care costs and an improved level of mental health for the patient.Beginning with the description of a theoretical model, this helpful volume provides a framework on which to base work with the mentally impaired elderly and to offer hope and encouragement to those involved with the task of caring for older persons. Important research is emphasized, including the role of temporal adaptation in self-care, the relationship between apraxia and dressing skills, and a positive view of efforts to enrich the daily lives of institutional residents using program enhancement. Those who care for mentally impaired elderly adults in the home, as well as gerontologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and therapeutic recreation specialists, will greatly benefit from the helpful strategies outlined in this volume.