The previous meeting was about the role of the general practitioner and practice nurse. The theme of the upcoming meeting is end of life and mourning in dementia.
Guest speaker was GP J. Goossen, who works at Van Dijk General Practice in Oisterwijk. This evening the discussion was about the role of the general practitioner and practice assistant in the syndrome of dementia. It can be concluded that people are becoming more and more parents and that as a result the problems with the brain are also increasing. The GP is often the first person to be confided in with complaints about memory. If you feel unwell, it is important to go to the doctor. By performing memory tests and examination for physical defects, the general practitioner can make a diagnosis of dementia or not. If necessary, the GP can refer you to a neurologist, geriatrician and/or the memory clinic for more extensive examination.
Do not hesitate to call in the doctor, timely diagnosis is important because:
- the recognition of dementia as a disease of importance; dementia is therefore more out of the taboo atmosphere,
- dementia has many forms of disease and the clinical picture is different for everyone,
- as a result budget can be made available for providing the necessary care,
- this makes placing on a waiting list for admission easier.
A partner or informal carer can also indicate to the GP that there may be further (memory) problems. The GP can then conduct further investigation into the complaints expressed through a home visit. Naturally, a GP has professional secrecy and will therefore never provide feedback to third parties.
The role of the practice nurse and the case manager is very important. The interpretation of the role of the practice nurse may differ per general practice. At general practice Van Dijk, the practice nurse is an important link. She periodically follows the person with dementia. She maintains intensive contact with the general practitioner, district nursing and case manager. She knows the patients and can therefore quickly identify when something is wrong. A treatment plan can be drawn up in joint consultation. The case manager is important because, in addition to the advisory role with regard to resources and arranging care, he also takes on emotional support.
Finally, the golden tip is given to move along with the person with dementia and to let them be as they are. This can help to improve the quality of life of the person with dementia and of those close to them.
Next meeting
The next Alzheimer’s Café meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21. The theme that will be discussed is ‘End of life and grief in dementia’. Guest speaker is Iris Rens, dementia case manager. With dementia, saying goodbye and grieving begins long before the end of life. A constant accumulation of different kinds of loss. For yourself if it happens to you, for you as a loved one or as another person involved. Little by little, the person someone once was is said goodbye. What can you encounter in the grieving process and how can you deal with it? Of course, in addition to discussing these questions, there is also plenty of room to talk to each other.
Come and listen and join the conversation at the Alzheimer café
The Alzheimer Café is a meeting place for people with dementia, young and old, for relatives, friends, help and service providers and other interested parties. Fellow sufferers can mean a lot to each other, they recognize what the other is going through and what this means for him or her. The support that those present give each other is of great value, and those present go home with a satisfied feeling.
Walk-in from 7.30 pm. Duration program from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Location De Coppele, Prunusstraat 69, Oisterwijk. Registration is not necessary.
More about dementia-friendly Oisterwijk
