Communication between families and hospital staff is important in understanding nutrition and hydration problems in dementia patients

Commentary on: Anantapong K, Davies N, Sampson EL. Communication between the multidisciplinary team and families regarding nutrition and hydration for people with severe dementia in acute hospitals: a qualitative study. Age Ageing 2022;51:afac230. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afac230. Implications for practice and research Hydration and nutrition issues in dementia should be discussed primarily by experienced health professionals, considering the beliefs, culture and expectations of the patient and her family, from the diagnosis. Moreover, these problems may show different characteristics in the acute hospital and at the end of life. Further studies with larger and interrelated study groups may emphasise more on the importance of communication in hydration and nutrition problems in dementia. Context Eating and drinking difficulties are known sources of health problems in people with dementia. It is essential to increase the awareness of patients and family carers for these problems. Healthy communication with family carers...
Source: Evidence-Based Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Care of the older person Source Type: research