1. Running head: REQUIRE DEMENTIA UNITS 1
Advocacy Paper: Require Dementia Units in All Nursing Homes
Gina Leymeister
Alvernia University
2. REQUIRE DEMENTIA UNITS 2
Abstract
In Berks County there are very few nursing homes that are equipped with the
tools needed to provide care to those with dementia. The objective of this paper is to
provide nursing homes with the knowledge and tools to build a dementia care unit.
Furthermore, to always welcome those who have this disease to the facility.
Keywords: dementia, nursing homes, advocate
3. REQUIRE DEMENTIA UNITS 3
Advocacy Paper: Require Dementia Units for All Nursing Homes
Among the population, 35.6 million persons worldwide have dementia
(Alzheimers Fact Sheet). This number holds significance due to the lack of care that the
persons are receiving because of the ill-equipped nursing homes. This number is
projected to double by 2030 and triple by 2050. The statistics show the general
population that if action is not taken soon, society will have a crisis due to the number of
patients out weighing the number of facilities available. Dementia care and treatments
need to be brought up to every nursing home in Berks County, and eventually to be
spoken aloud nationally (What is Dementia?).
This health care predicament will be brought up to the CEO of the nursing home.
For example the president of The Highlands of Wyomissing is Kevin DeAcosta, and one
would advocate for dementia units and would presented the topic to him and his fellow
board of trustees. The Highlands of Wyomissing does not currently have a dementia unit,
but there are many residents who have this disease. One can influence the decision to
build a dementia unit by creating a dashboard, a power point or by using any other
business tool. The company will then be able to see the pros and the cons; therefore the
board can easily make the decision. However, the biggest contributor to this decision
would be the financial aspect of the commitment. On the other hand, this unit will also
increase profit according to the statistics more and more persons will need this type of
care.
In order to take on an issue so large, one must use this strategic plan to achieve
the goal. The first step is to obtain the specific goal, which is to require dementia units in
all nursing homes in Berks County. The second step is to make sure that the goal is
4. REQUIRE DEMENTIA UNITS 4
measureable. This goal specifically can be obtained within 5-7 years. This is will be done
by recording the number of patients receiving care and track the number of facilities that
abide by the goal. The third step is determined if this goal is achievable, which this goal
will be with the permission of the CEO or the president of the nursing home. The fourth
step is to ensure that the goal is realistic and will be able to happen for that particular
company. This goal will be realistic provided that the funding is there to achieve this
goal. The fifth step is time. The time that it will take to add a dementia care unit to a
nursing home will take about an estimated 5-7 years. In addition to this plan, the society
needs to be aware of dementia and learn how to be an advocate for this disease.
Currently, there are not many nursing homes that are informing the public of
dementia units at their facility. On the television there are ads for medicine but not for
advocacy. This issue is being viewed as a downfall. Society views a retirement home as a
“place one goes until death”, however, it should be viewed, as a resort to meet the
residents needs to allow one to thrive. Furthermore, that mind set can only be obtained by
meeting every residents need i.e. dementia units. This image should be portrayed to
families that this is not the end but the loved one just needs special care and treatment.
Unfortunately, the only persons that know about this disease are the loved ones of the
family member, doctors, healthcare professionals, and some nursing homes. This issue
has to be talked about on the TV more often.
The family members and the individual with dementia are directly affected by the
media’s lack of knowledge on this topic. It is vital for society to recognize the impact of
dementia and take a stand on how to appropriately handle patients with a need for more
than two hours a day of special attention. In conclusion, it was once said by Eleanor
5. REQUIRE DEMENTIA UNITS 5
Roosevelt, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”
(Roosevelt). As healthcare professionals or aspiring healthcare professionals, (we) should
never stop dreaming or fighting for the proper treatment and care for persons with
dementia.
6. REQUIRE DEMENTIA UNITS 6
References
Alzheimers Fact Sheet. Retrieved from
http://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/alzheimers_disease_fact_sheet_1.pdf
Krumm, N., Larkin, P., Connolly, M., Rode, P., & Elsner, F. (2014). Improving dementia
care in nursing homes: experiences with a palliative care symptom-assessment
tool (MIDOS). International Journal Of Palliative Nursing, 20(4), 187-192.
Roosevelt, E. Dementia: Inspirational Poems & Quotes. Retrieved from
http://www.angelfire.com/ny2/dementia1/poems.html
What Is Dementia? Alzheimer’s Association. Retrieved from http://www.alz.org/what-is-
dementia.asp
Zimmerman, S., Anderson, W. L., Brode, S., Jonas, D., Lux, L., Beeber, A. S., & ...
Sloane, P. D. (2013). Systematic Review: Effective Characteristics of Nursing
Homes and Other Residential Long-Term Care Settings for People with
Dementia. Journal Of The American Geriatrics Society, 61(8), 1399-1409.
doi:10.1111/jgs.12372
10 facts on dementia. World Health Organization. Retrieved from
http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/dementia/en/
7. REQUIRE DEMENTIA UNITS 7
Dementia Fact Sheet
Facts:
35.6 million people have this disease
Dementia is a progressive brain illness
Dementia is NOT a normal part of aging
New case is diagnosed every 4 seconds
Costs the US 604 billion dollars
Caregivers experience huge amounts of stress
Early diagnoses is vital
This pie chart representsdifferent types ofdementia that exists within the generalpopulation.
(AlzheimersFact Sheet)
