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Mental and physical fatigue, changes in the physical condition caused by the disasters and acute changes in the living environment can exacerbate symptoms of dementia and development of dementia in the elderly. Therefore, the elderly in a shelter should be carefully monitored.
Assessment
| 1. |
Monitor physical functions: vital signs, dehydration, constipation, incontinence and pain |
| 2. |
ADL
| 1. |
Attention to and ability to concentrate on meals, refusal of food and overeating |
| 2. |
General toileting state, understanding of toileting methods and clean behavior |
| 3. |
Attention to cleanliness and grooming, and ability to clean themselves |
| 4. |
Spontaneous speech, expressions of will and personal exchanges |
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| 3. |
Cognitive function: memory disorder, disorientation, misjudgment |
| 4. |
Behavioral disorder: hallucination, delusion, aimless wandering, unclean behavior, pica |
Coping methods
| 1. |
1. Establish a daily routine and a stable environment in the shelter
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| 2. |
Assess the dementia and then determine whether it is possible for the elderly evacuee to live within the shelter or not |
| 3. |
When shelter life is possible, caregivers should be secured, and instructed on points of dementia care
For example:
| (1. |
A gentle attitude should be taken to avoid confusion/perplexity |
| (2. |
Do not refuse or deny the verbal or physical actions of the elderly , and provide assistance with understanding and coping with difficult aspects of shelter life |
| (3. |
Make other evacuees understand the elderly through communication with them |
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| 4. |
When shelter life is impossible, arrangements should be made for an emergency short stay in a long-term care institution |
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Exacerbation of dementia symptoms
