Nursing Care for Elderly Patients with Dementia in a Long-Term Care System: A Comparative 2 Case Study.

Abstract

     This study was case study aimed to provide guidelines for nursing care for elderly patients with dementia in a long-term care system. This study compares two dementia patients receiving long-term care at the community health center, Phon Hospital, Phon District, Khon Kaen Province, from April 1, 2024, to June 26, 2024. Tools used included data collection forms, patient medical records, interviews, observations, analysis using Gordon's health patterns, disease pathology, treatment, nursing diagnosis planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing outcomes.
     Results: Both patients were diagnosed with dementia and had comorbid hypertension. Case 1: A 72-year-old female whose primary caregiver is her granddaughter. She is capable of performing daily activities but requires supervision. She exhibits inappropriate behavior and mood. Case 2: A 76-year-old female whose primary caregiver is her husband. She cannot perform daily activities and also exhibits inappropriate behavior and mood. Both patients were cared for using the nursing process combined with the Dementia Management (A-N) guidelines. It was found that: Case 1: The patient was able to perform some daily activities. Case 2: The patient required assistance with basic daily activities. Both patients exhibited reduced inappropriate behavior and mood, remained safe, and experienced no complications. Caregivers gained knowledge and understanding of dementia care, reduced caregiving burden, and reported improved quality of life and satisfaction with the care system.