Unit 40 M2 D1 Supporting individuals with dementia Megan Scully
M2: Discuss the role of teamwork in improving the health and quality of life for people with
dementia.
The role of teamwork regarding individuals with dementia is crucial in how the quality of life and
well-being of the individual is effected in a negative or positive manner. This assignment will aim to
explain and discourse a variety of teamwork routes within health and social care settings, including
how the individual with dementia is effected when teamwork is executed effectively and how the
individual with dementia is effected when teamwork is not executed effectively.
Dieticians are often assigned to individuals with dementia as these individuals have a tendency to
become malnourished, which could be due to the dementia affecting their recollection of meal
times. Dieticians can develop personalised meal plans for individuals with dementia in order to
ensure these individuals have a balanced and healthy diet to amend any dietary issues they may be
experiencing. Domiciliary carers are a form of carer who specialise in home visits in order to assist
individuals with their needs, for example; washing, taking medication on time and preparing meals.
If an individual with dementia is assigned a dietician, they will often perform alongside the
domiciliary carer to ensure that they can provide the food items required for the dietary plan and to
ensure that the individual with dementia is consuming it. If the family of the individual are adamant
on performing the individual's food shopping and do not obey the meal plan provided by the
dietician, it is the responsibility of the domiciliary carer to rendezvous with the dietician and discuss
the any issues with the meal plan, in order for both parties to develop a solution that will be
beneficial to both the healthcare professionals and the individual with dementia. If the teamwork
between the dietician and domiciliary carer is effective, it will certify that the effectiveness of the
dietary advice provided will benefit the individual with dementia and improve their health in regards
to their diet and preventing malnourishment. Improving the overall health of an individual with
dementia is crucial as it will enhance the well-being of the cells within the body. Dementia is when
the brain cells within an individual die. If the body cells become healthier, this will result in the brain
cells perishing at a lengthier pace, this means the individual will remain as themselves for a longer
period of time and they will remain independent for a longer period of time. Consequently, the
quality of life and well-being of the individual with dementia will be enhanced. If the teamwork
between the dietician and the domiciliary carer was ineffective, it could initiate the deterioration of
the individual and severer effects of the dementia such as dementia or mobility issues. Issues such as
these will have a negative impact on the individual's life as it could withdraw the individual from
their family and friends and also increase the threat of injury. It is crucial that the teamwork
between the domiciliary carer and the dietician is effective in order to ensure that the individual
with dementia's health and well-being is augmented rather than deteriorated.
Hospitals and general practitioners congregate in order to enhance the quality of life and well-being
of the individual with dementia. When an individual first suspects dementia (for example; family
members are expressing concern), most individuals will schedule an appointment with their general
practitioner in order to express and discuss these concerns. Following the appointment, the general
practitioner will form a conclusion on whether or not the individual may have dementia, or whether
further tests are required. The individual will then receive a referral from the general practitioner to
see a dementia specialist within a hospital environment, in order to receive an accurate diagnosis.
The general practitioner will transfer any relevant notes regarding the patient to the dementia
specialist in order to ensure the correct diagnosis (e.g. family history, previous cognitive issues). The
hospital environment contains more medical specialists trained in the care of individuals with
dementia, for example, physiotherapists. If the individual's general practitioner and hospital
specialist are unable to work together effectively, it may delay the treatment opportunities for the
individual with potential early on-set dementia. For example, an individual who has potential
vascular dementia, if identified in early stages can be provided with treatment that can drastically
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