Best Practices for Improving Outcomes for Patients with Dementia

Susan Bold Schumacher, MS, APRN-BC, GCNS, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Gerontology, Methodist Hospital- Park Nicollet

Over 5.8 million persons 65 years and older with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias live in the United States. Approximately 25% of our hospitalized patients have underlying dementia and are at particular risk for an adverse event such as a fall, pressure injury, or consequences of hospitalization such as functional decline or immobility. Join this webinar to discover innovative models of care in the acute care setting that incorporate best practices to mitigate the risk for adverse events. Acute Care of the Elderly Units, Hospital-Elder Life Program, Nursing Improving Care of Hospitalized Elders, and Hospital Home are examples of care models and supportive systems to be discussed. The partnership between patients and their families/significant others with trained healthcare team members in a supportive environment are key for improving outcomes for patients with dementia in the acute care setting.