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COMPLEX CARE: ADVANCED DEMENTIA

Case Study

Specialised Care for Advanced Dementia

The individual was referred to Support Nest following multiple hospital visits, highlighting their urgent
need for our specialised care due to the complexity of their condition. The family, overwhelmed and
unfamiliar with the difficulties of NDIS language and processes, sought a solution to provide
sustainable and comprehensive support.

Our case management model was thoroughly applied to allow us to recognise the individual’s unique
needs, which identified advanced dementia and the complex care required for eating, drinking,
medication management and personal care.

  • Food and Drink ManagementAdapting mealtime strategies ensures the individual receives
    adequate nutrition without feeling overwhelmed. This involved offering one item at a time and
    employing specific methods for encouraging food and drink intake tailored to the individual’s
    preferences and capabilities.
  • Medication AdministrationDeveloping a gentle, patient approach to administering medication,
    ensuring safety and compliance without causing distress.
  • Continence and Personal Hygiene CareCustomising strategies for maintaining hygiene with
    sensitivity to the individual’s comfort and dignity, including preferences for continence aids and
    showering routines.
  • Engagement and MobilityEncouraging regular movement and meaningful engagement, respecting
    the individual’s pace and preferences for interaction and quiet time.
  • Clothing and Environment: Ensuring the individual’s environment and clothing are comfortable,
    accessible, and contributing to their well-being.

Our case management model proved essential, offering a language bridge between the family, the
individual, and various allied health professionals. By integrating evidence-based interventions from
behavioural support practitioners, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists, we delivered clear and
actionable guidance to support workers. This ensured a cohesive approach to implementing recommended
strategies, improving the quality of the individual’s care.

The case manager was crucial, managing a team of 4 – 6 support workers, reinforcing allied health
recommendations, and facilitating critical communication channels. This included:

  • Allied Health Collaboration: Ensuring seamless integration of therapeutic interventions into daily care
    routines.
  • NDIS Navigation: Offering comprehensive understanding and navigation of NDIS processes, aiding
    support coordinators and allied health professionals in enhancing their reports and interventions.
  • Feedback Loop: Providing a vital feedback mechanism through client engagement meetings, allowing
    for real-time adjustments to care strategies based on direct observations and support worker insights.
  • Supported Independent Reporting: Generating detailed reports on daily activities and progress, offering
    valuable evidence for allied health professionals and support coordinators to tailor their ongoing
    interventions.
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This holistic, coordinated approach relieved the family’s stress, providing them with peace of mind to ensure
their loved one receives dignified and personalised care. Our model’s flexibility and depth allowed for a
comprehensive understanding of the individual’s needs, fostering an environment where they could thrive
despite complex challenges.

This scenario highlights the positive impact of our case management model, particularly for individuals with
complex needs. By bridging the gap between families, support workers, and allied health professionals, we
enhance and continuously improve the quality of our care. At Support Nest we aim to empower all involved
parties with our knowledge and support, ensuring the individual’s well-being is always at the heart of our
service.

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