All Things Transcription

Alzheimer's disease affects approximately 5 million people in the United States and it is believed that by the year 2050 if a cure has not been found there will be approximately 16 million affected, according to the Alzheimer's Association. The sheer numbers alone should frighten you.

Follow up:

Due to the effects of this horrible disease, families have a hard time being a loved one’s primary caregiver. It may be feasible to keep the sufferer at home in the beginning stages. However, as the disease progresses it becomes harder to continue this situation due to the physical difficulties that manifest themselves. It becomes necessary in most cases for the patient to be moved to a facility to deal with these issues.

Facilities that care for Alzheimer's patients must take steps to ensure that a rigid schedule of care is in place for these patients. These patients can become easily agitated at the slightest change in routine. This agitation can cause the patient to react in a violent fashion. The facility must usually be “locked down” to prevent wandering. Medications must be carefully monitored to facilitate necessary changes if they cease to work or cause unwanted side effects, even more so in this situation because the patient may be completely unable to communicate difficulties.

One of the major problems with the care of Alzheimer's patients is the lack of skilled nursing care. Elder care in general is lacking; Alzheimer's care even more so. I would like to encourage nurses, both student and working, to consider specializing in this field. The salary outlook is very good and there are many specific positions available in this field.

Although it is a difficult job, skilled Alzheimer's nurses can be of huge benefit both to the patients and the family members. Alzheimer's patients and their families need strong nurse advocates both in supervisory and floor positions. CNAs are also a necessary part of this advocacy. Nurses and CNAs that care for Alzheimer's patients are the ones who are aware of the need for change in the care plans for these patients. Family members who are sure that their loved one is receiving adequate and compassionate care are more helpful during this trying time. It can be a very gratifying experience for the nurse who chooses to specialize in this field.

The strides that are being made towards a cure for this condition move forward. However, it seems that this is a wide open field for nurses and will continue to be so. If you are a nurse or CNA interested in this specialty, please take the time to check the jobs database. There are numerous positions available nationwide. As someone who has seen what this horrible disease can do to a beloved family member, you have my thanks for considering this field.