A

Alzheimers

What is Alzheimers: 

A disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. Brain cell connections and the cells themselves degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and other important mental functions. Alzheimers is 1 of 150 different types of Dementia. Each process can be different with each person. 

What does Alzheimers Affect:

Sometime around the age of 65, Alzheimer's disease can impair mental function and affect memory. It can eventually lead to behavioral changes and severe cognitive decline.

What are signs and symptoms of Alzheimers that you may come in contact with: 

• Not remembering where they put things

• Decrease in ability to perform everyday tasks.

• Diminish focus, attention, language skills, problem solving and visual perception.

• Increase in Behaviors

• Increase in Paranoia

Caregiver Responsibility with Alzheimers:

• Keep a routine such as bathing, dressing and eating at the same time each day. 

• Help the person write down to-do list, appointments, and events in a notebook or calendar. 

• Plan activities that the person enjoys and try to do them at the same time every day

• Focus on intellectual stimulation, social stimulation, and exercise

• NEVER REORIENT or correct 

• Do not ask multiple questions at once

C

Chronic Heart Failure: 

What is CHF:

CHF, or Chronic Heart Failure,  is a chronic condition in which the heart doesn't pump the blood as well as it should. Heart failure can occur if the heart cannot pump or fill adequately. This can occur due to high blood pressure, coronary artery disease (blockage in the arteries), genetic reasons, and having a BMI of over 30.  

What does CHF Affect: 

There are two forms of CHF: Right sided and left sided. Right sided can lead to fluid buildup on the extremities while left sided leads to buildup on the lungs. This is due to the blood becoming “backed up,” so the fluid goes to other parts of the body. A lack of oxygen rich blood in the kidneys disrupts the normal cycle of water and waste through the kidneys, this can cause swelling in their ankles, feet and legs.

What are signs and symptoms of CHF that you may come in contact with:

The client may have:

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue

• Problems with the heart's rhythm 

• Fluid buildup in the legs, lungs, liver, lower body or abdomen 

Caregiver Responsibility with CHF:

• Emotional support

• Help with managing medications and vital signs

• Encouraging healthy eating and exercise

• Monitor weight gain (sudden weight gain can be a sign of excessive water retention)

• Monitor for increase in SOB

• Monitor swelling in extremities

• Encourage elevating legs and compression stockings to lower swelling and help blood flow

For more information, please visit: www.heart.org

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:

What is COPD: 

Chronic obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common conditions that make up COPD. As the respiratory tract is inflamed, it can produce and excessive amount of mucus. The biggest risk factor of COPD is smoking. 

What does COPD Affect:

The respiratory system, ability to breathe, and oxygen saturation of the blood. 

What are signs and symptoms of COPD that you may come in with: 

• Shortness of breath

• Wheezing and coughing (produces mucus)

• Chest pressure

• Whole body fatigue 

• Inability to exercise

• Low oxygen saturation

Caregiver Responsibility with COPD:

• Monitor worsening symptoms: increase SOB, low Oxygen Level, increased chest pressure, etc. 

• Make sure treatment plan is being followed, Patients may have trouble with daily activities such as dressing or showering. 

• Watch for increased depression or anxiety (due to the inability to do ADLS, clients can become depressed)

• Monitor O2 levels: between 88%-95%

• If client is SOB, encourage inhaler use

• If using inhaler, remind client to swish and spit water to prevent Thrush (fungal infection of the tongue)

For more information, please visit: www.copd.com

Cancer:

What is Cancer: 

A disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and destroy body tissue. Cancer can be found in any part of the body ranging from breast, lung, bone, to blood cancer.

What does Cancer Affect: 

A cancer can grow into, or begin to push on nearby organs, blood vessels, and nerves. The gowth can obstruct healthy cells to grow and normal body processes. Depending on where the cancer is found, it can effect breathing, fatigue, pain, etc. 

What are signs and symptoms of Cancer that you may come in contact with:

Signs and symptoms may vary depending on what part of the body the cancer is:

• Fever

• Extreme tiredness

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Lumps

• Skin changes

• Changes in bowel or bladder habits 

• Persistent cough or trouble breathing

• Difficulty swallowing

• Hoarseness

• Indigestion or discomfort after eating

•  Unexplained bleeding or busing

• Persistent, unexplained fevers

• Night sweats

• Muscle and joint pain.

Caregiver Responsibility with Cancer: 

• Help with personal needs, such as bathing, dressing, or shaving. 

• Do household chores, such as cleaning, cooking or laundry. 

• Emotional support and conversation to keep spirits high is important.

• Transportation to Radiation/Chemo treatments

Cataracts: 

What is Cataracts:

A condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision.

What does Cataracts Affect: 

Clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye.

What are signs and symptoms of Cataracts that you may come in contact with: 

• Cloudy or blurry vision

• Lights are too bright and/or give off a glare or a halo

• Poor night vision

• Multiple (double) vision

• Colors seem to fade

• Increased nearsightedness

• Increasing the need to change eyeglass prescriptions

Caregiver Responsibility with Cataracts: 

• Help the patient read, see and explain what you are doing as you do it. 

• When walking with client, make sure to explain any hazards in the way

D

Diabetes:

What is Diabetes: 

A group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood (high blood glucose). This can occur due to the body not producing insulin (type 1) or becoming resistant to insulin (type two). 

What does Diabetes Affect: 

Having too much sugar in the bloodstream can cause serious health problems, such as vision loss and kidney disease. It can also damage large and small blood vessels, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, problems with eyes, feet,  and nerves. The good news is that the long-term effects of diabetes can be reduced.

What are signs and symptoms of Diabetes that you may come in contact with: 

• Numbness that starts as a tingling in the hands, fingers, legs and feet are often an early warning sign. 

• Overtime, diabetes can damage the nerves which creates pain

• Increased urination with increased amount of urine

• Weight loss is common because the body cant absorb glucose properly

• Increased in appetite

•  Blurry vision: this occurs as glucose levels spike, damaging blood vessels and restricting the flow of fluid to the eyes.

•  Dry, itchy skin: Sweat glands become dysfunctional, resulting in dehydrated, flaky, itchy, and irritating healing skin. 

• Unexplained fatigue because you don't have adequate energy. 

• Unquenchable thirst

• Slow healing cuts or bruises

• Irritated gums

• Dry mouth

• Frequent yeast infections

• Dark patches of skin

• Erectile dysfunction

• Frequent or recurring infections

• Headaches

• Nerve damage

• Loss of consciousness

• Diabetic ketoacidosis

• Some people may not have symptoms at first. Diabetes develops slowly over time.

Caregiver Responsibility with Diabetes: 

• Make healthy eating and physical activity part of patients daily routine. 

• Maintain and support healthy weight. 

• Monitor patients' blood sugar. 

• Follow providers instructions for managing blood sugar levels and make sure patients take medications as prescribed. 

• Encourage and support daily exercise and patients overall well being. 

• Monitor for signs of hypoglycemia: cold sweats, shaking, dizziness, anxious, fast heart rate. If the client is hypoglycemic, give them orange juice and recheck blood sugar after 15 minutes. NOTIFY SUPERVISOR. 

• Monitor for signs of hyperglycemia: blurred vision, tiredness, increased thirst, increased urination frequency. If BS is over 400, call 911 Immediately. NOTIFY SUPERVISOR OF ANY BLOOD SUGAR OVER 300. 

For more information, please visit: www.mayoclinic.org and www.activebeat.com

Depression: 

What is Depression:

 A constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest, which stops you doing your normal activities.

What does Depression Affect: 

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

What are signs and symptoms of Depression that you may come in contact with: 

• Lack of motivation

• Difficulty making decisions

• Feeling of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness. 

• Angry outburst, irritability or frustration even over small matters. 

• Loss of interest in most activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports. 

• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much. 

• Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain.

• Anxiety, agitation or restlessness.

• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements. 

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

• Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide. 

• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches.

Caregiver Responsibility with Depression: 

• Someone with depression needs consistent emotional support. 

• Help the person stick to their treatment plan. 

• Encourage outings, communication and emotional support. 

• If the client expresses any suicidal thoughts, immediately call your supervisor

Key Notes:

• With depression in Older Adults, it can present similarly to Memory Impairment. This can lead to mis-diagnosis and incorrect treatment

For more information, please visit: www.mavoclinic.org

H

Hearing Impairment: 

What is Hearing Impairment: 

Total or significant loss of hearing. Deafness is usually the result of inner ear or nerve damage.

What does Hearing Impairment Affect: 

The patient's hearing, ability to socially interact, ability to conduct ADLS,  and occasionally balance. 

What are signs and symptoms of Hearing Impairment that you may come in contact with: 

• The chief symptom is an inability to hear sound. Usually self diagnosable.

• Difficulty engaging in a conversation

• Inappropriate responses 

• Refusing social interaction/Activities

Caregiver Responsibility with Hearing Impairment:

•  Speak clearly, slowly, distinctly, but naturally, without shouting or exaggerating mouth movements. 

• Make sure the patient is wearing their hearing aids as per instructions. 

For more information, please visit: wwwuscfhealth.org

L

Lewy-Body Dementia:

What is Lewy-Body Dementia :

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a common type of dementia that happens when clumps of proteins called Lewy bodies build up in the brain. They damage parts of your brain that affect cognition, behavior, movement and sleep. LBD is an progressive condition that gets worse over time.

What does Lewy-Body Dementia Affect: 

Clients can have problems with memory and judgment, like those with Alzheimer's disease, but also are likely to have difficulties with concentration and visual perception.

What are signs and symptoms of Lewy-Body Dementia that you may come in contact with:

• Hallucinations

• Delusions

• Pain

• Stress

• Anxiety

• They may also be the result of frustration, fear or feeling overwhelmed. 

• The person may resist care or lash out verbally or physically.

Caregiver Responsibility with Lewy-Body Dementia:

• First and foremost do not take it personally when working with clients that have LBD.

•  Most people with LBD benefit from having simple tasks, consistent schedules, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

• Large crowds or overly stimulating environments can increase confusion and anxiety. 

For more information, please visit www.nia.nih.gov

Lou Gehrig's Disease:

What is Lou Gehrig’s Disease: 

Also known as ALS. This is a nervous system disease that weakens muscles and impacts physical function. In this disease, nerve cells break down, which reduces functionality in the muscles they supply. The cause is unknown.

What does Lou Gehrig’s Disease Affect: 

ALS is a progressive disease that destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord which control the muscles throughout the body. When these nerves die, the brain can no longer send impulses to the muscle fibers that normally result in muscle movement.

What are signs and symptoms of Lou Gehrig’s Disease that you may come in contact with: 

• The person may experience twitching and weakness of the muscles of the hands or lower legs. 

• If the muscles of the face or throat are affected the problem at the onset would be difficulty with speaking, chewing, swallowing or movements of the tongue and face. 

• If the muscles of the chest are affected the person may have difficulty breathing. 

• As time passes more and more muscles become affected and the patient becomes totally paralyzed. 

• Yet, through it all, for the vast majority of people their minds remain unaffected.

Caregiver Responsibility with Lou Gehrig’s Disease: 

• Personal care involves providing support with: bathing, dressing, toileting, transitioning, meal time assistance and transportation. The need for assistance increases as the disease progresses.

• Medication Assistance

• Emotional Support

For more information, please visit: www.als.org

M

Macular Degeneration:

What is Macular Degeneration: 

An eye disease that causes vision loss. Macular degeneration causes loss in the center of the field of vision. In dry macular degeneration, the center of the retina deteriorates. With wet macular degeneration, leaky blood vessels grow under the retina.

What does Macular Degeneration Affect: 

Visual: partial loss of vision, abnormality where straight lines appear wavy blurred vision, distorted vision, inability to see in dim light or seeing spots.

What are signs and symptoms of Macular Degeneration that you may come in contact with: 

• Vision becomes distorted., 

• Visual distortions, such as straight lines seeming bent.

• Reduced center vision in one or both eyes

• The need for brighter light when reading or doing close up work. 

• Increased difficulty adapting to low light levels, such as when entering a dimly lit room. 

• Increased blurriness of printed words, difficulty recognizing faces, a well defined blurry spot or blind spot in the field of vision.

Caregiver Responsibility with Macular Degeneration: 

• Make sure adequate lighting is on in the room where the patient is, keep clear paths in  home so the patient doesn't trip.

•  Keep things organized so the patient knows where to find things. 

• Assist when you can to avoid injury.

For more information, please visit: www.mayoclinic.com

Multiple Sclerosis:

What is M.S:

A disease in which the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves.

What does M.S. Affect: 

Nerve damage disrupts communication between the brain and the body. Symptoms include vision loss, pain, fatigue, impaired coordination, electric shock sensations, tingling, bowel and bladder symptoms. Symptoms vary from person to person and some can be symptom free while others can have severe chronic symptoms that never go away.

What should Caregivers do? 

• Make sure the client eats well 

• Has a regular exercise routine

• Address any sleep issues

• Make sure the client's environment is favorable to their symptoms (not many steps, limit fall risks, etc).

• You can always stay connected with other caregivers who care for clients with MS thur local hospitals or care centers as well as MS organizations.

For more information please visit: www.nationalmssociety,org

Macular Degeneration:

What is Macular Degeneration: 

An eye disease that causes vision loss. Macular degeneration causes loss in the center of the field of vision. In dry macular degeneration, the center of the retina deteriorates. With wet macular degeneration, leaky blood vessels grow under the retina.

What does Macular Degeneration Affect: 

Visual: partial loss of vision, abnormality where straight lines appear wavy blurred vision, distorted vision, inability to see in dim light or seeing spots.

What are signs and symptoms of Macular Degeneration that you may come in contact with: 

• Vision becomes distorted., 

• Visual distortions, such as straight lines seeming bent.

• Reduced center vision in one or both eyes

• The need for brighter light when reading or doing close up work. 

• Increased difficulty adapting to low light levels, such as when entering a dimly lit room. 

• Increased blurriness of printed words, difficulty recognizing faces, a well defined blurry spot or blind spot in the field of vision.

Caregiver Responsibility with Macular Degeneration: 

• Make sure adequate lighting is on in the room where the patient is, keep clear paths in  home so the patient doesn't trip.

•  Keep things organized so the patient knows where to find things. 

• Assist when you can to avoid injury.

For more information, please visit: www.mayoclinic.com

P

Parkinsons: 

What is Parkinsons:

A disorder of the nervous system that affects movement, often including tremors. Nerve cell damage in the brain causes dopamine levels to drop, leading to the symptoms of Parkinsons.

What does Parkinson's Affect: 

Parkinsons is a disease where a part of your brain deteriorates, causing more severe symptoms over time. While this condition is best known for how it affects muscle control, balance and movement. It can also cause a wide range of other effects on your senses, thinking ability, mental health and more.

What are signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s that you may come in contact with:

• Stiff muscles, tremors, difficulty standing, difficulty walking and difficulty with bodily movements.

• Clients early tend to have slow shuffling gait.

• Early awakeness

• Nightmares

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Poor balance

• Restlessness

• Distorted sense of smell or loss of smell

• Dribbling of urine or leaking of urine                                                                                                               

Caregiver Responsibility with Parkinson’s:

• Talk to the client, face to face.

•  Look at them as they speak

• Ask questions that have a yes or no answer

• Repeat the part of the sentence that  you understand

• Ask the client to repeat what they have said, or ask them to spell out the words that you did not understand. 

• Monitor home for fall risks: elevated floor, cords, clutter, etc

• Assist client with ADLS

• Stand-by when the client is transferring. 

For more information, please visit: www.parkinson.org

S

Strokes:

What is a Stroke: 

Also called: CA, cerebrovascular accident. Is damage to the brain from interruption of its blood supply. This can be caused by a clot or a brain bleed. 

What does a Stroke Affect: 

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brian tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes.

What are signs and symptoms of a Stroke that you may come in contact with: 

• Speech

• Weakness or paralysis of limbs on one side of the body

• Difficulty gripping or holding things 

• Slowed ability to communicate.

Caregiver Responsibility with a Stroke: 

• Practical help with shopping, cooking or taking medications, walking, eating

• Encourage daily activities/exercise. 

For more information, please visit: www.mayoclinic.org

U

Urinary Tract Infections: 

What is Urinary Tract Infection: 

An infection in any part of the urinary system, the kidneys, bladder, or urethra. Urinary tract infections are more common in women. They occur in the bladder or urethra, but more serious infections involve the kidney.

What does Urinary Tract Infection Affect: 

Urinary tract infections can affect the urinary system including the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract-the lower urinary tract-the bladder and the urethra. If serious, the UTI can cause infection in other parts of the body. 

What are signs and symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection that you may come in contact with:

• Pain with urination

• frequent urination

• Urgency of Urination

• Cloudy urine

• Back pain

• Confusion

• Blood in Urine

Caregiver Responsibility with Urinary Tract Infection: 

• Notify supervisor if you see any signs of a UTI

• Encourage clients to drink a lot of water to flush out the bacteria

• Apply heat or give Tylenol for pain

• Emotional support

• Wipe front to back when providing peri-care

• Assist client with any medication

 For more information, please visit: www. uti.com

V

Vascular Dementia:

What is Vascular Dementia:

Brain damage due to multiple strokes. Vascular dementia causes memory loss in older adults, particularly in those at higher risk of stroke due to obesity or diabetes.

What does Vascular Dementia Affect:

Changes to memory, thinking, and behavior resulting from the conditions that affect the blood vessels in the brain. Common symptoms include agitation or behavioral symptoms, the inability to make new memories. Unsteady gait, sudden or frequent urge to urinate or inability to control passing urine.

 What are signs and symptoms of Vascular Dementia that you may come in contact with:

• In the early stages of Vascular Dementia the clients may have slowness of thought with difficulty with planning actions and trouble understanding information. 

• There may be some problems with concentration and mood or behavior changes. 

• Some people experience memory and language problems. 

• Restlessness and agitation may be present 

• Unsteady gait

• Sudden or frequent urge to urinate or inability to control passing urine

• Depression or apathy may also occur.

Caregiver Responsibility with Vascular Dementia:

• Prevent wandering

• Use creativity

• Flexibility

• Patience and compassion

For more information, please visit: www.ucsfhealth.org

MEDICATIONS

Medication: Blood Thinner Common Medications: 

• Aspirin, Brilinta, Coumadin and Effient, Eliquis, Xarelto

Side Effects of Coumadin: Headache, dizziness, weakness, bleeding gums, nose bleeds, swelling, pain, bruising, blood in urine and in stool to name a few.

Side Effects of Eliquis: Dizziness, joint pain, headaches, nausea, bleeding, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, nose bleeds and tiredness. 

What should Caregivers do for clients on blood thinners? 

• Check the medications and make sure the client is taking the right dose. 

• Keep clients from getting any injuries from everyday life.

• Monitor for bleeding, bruising, or tarry stools

• If client on Coumadin, you may bring him/her to get INR checked

Medication: Insulin: 

• Sulfonylurea, Lantus, Insulin Lispro and Insulin Detemir

Side Effects of Insulin: Hypos are the most common side effect when taking insulin. Hypos is when your blood sugar is too low. Injection site reactions, weight gain, Shortness of breath, blurred vision, sweating, fast heat rate, rash.

What should Caregivers do for clients on Insulin? 

• Help clients keep a healthy weight

• Check Blood Sugar

• Encourage exercise

• Manage stress.

• If client Blood Sugar is low (under 70) encourage orange juice or a sugar source

• Insulin can make blood sugar drop, so monitor for signs of Hypoglycemia (Refer to Diabetes)

Medication: Blood Pressure Medications:

• ACE Inhibitors, captopril, enalapril, metoprolol, and lisinopril

Side Effects of ACE Inhibitors: Dry cough, Too much potassium in the blood, headaches, loss of taste, extreme tiredness or dizziness from blood pressure going too low.

Side Effects of Beta Blockers: Slow heart rate, hypotension, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, constipation. Some clients may have erectile dysfunction.

Side Effects of Diuretics: Frequent urination, dizziness, tiredness, headache, gout, ED, low potassium and muscle cramps.

What should Caregivers do for clients on Blood Pressure Medication? 

• Remind clients to take medications as prescribed

• Prepare healthy meals

• Encourage physical exercise and ensure they are following the doctor's direction

• Do not have client stand up quickly, as it can cause dizziness

Medication: Antidepressants:

• Citalopram, Escitalopram,  Fluoxetine and Paroxetine

Side Effects of SSRI: Feeling agitated, shaky or anxious. Feeling or being sick, indigestion, diarrhea or constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss. Dizziness, blurred vision and dry mouth.

Side Effect of Mood Stabilizer: Vomiting, drowsiness, blurred vision, tremors, dizziness, diarrhea, hair loss, agitation, difficulty concentrating, dry mouth, itchiness, rapid heart rate, seizures, black outs, hallucinations and slurred speech.

What should Caregivers do for clients on Antidepressant? 

• Making  sure medications are given and taken correctly

• Avoid caffeinated foods and drinks. 

• Make sure the client gets adequate exercise.

• Encourage activities the client enjoys