Thickened fluids for people with dementia in residential aged care facilities

mestically or internationally to assist families, carers, or health/legal professionals in deciding what, if any, aspects of their financial affairs a person with dementia can responsibly manage. In parallel with client assessments conducted by the Office of the Adult Guardian (OAG), the aim of this research is to test a set of brief, well-validated instruments. Social competency and contextual measures, concepts often overlooked in traditional assessments, will also be included. It expected the research protocol will yield more comprehensive data regarding an individual’s capacity to manage their finances. Methods: Two hundred clients (M1⁄460þyears, 60% female), referred from the OAG for competency review, will be assessed using six empirically validated instruments. The standardized instruments will measure the participants’ mental status (3MS), levels of anxiety (GAI) depression (GDS) hallucinations and delusions (NPIQ), social competency (SVS), and changes to daily living activities (IQCODE). All measures will be embedded within a contextual interview, and administered to participants and their carers. Results: A detailed description of the protocol will be presented. Each of the instruments above has a clinical cut-off score but in this protocol are used in conjunction with the contextual interview to yield a holistic view of the client. Our findings will be compared to judgements made by the OAG regarding the individual’s capacity to manage finances. Conclusions: Creating an empirically valid protocol that is brief, comprehensive, and easily administered by most health professionals, has ‘‘real-world’’ applicability and the potential to tangibly impact on policies regarding assessments of an older individual’s financial capabilities. Introduction: Malnutrition is estimated to affect between 17 and 65% of residents in residential care. Oral liquid nutritional supplements (OLNS) are one strategy utilised to help prevent malnutrition in people with dementia living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs), while tube feeding is an alternative method of nutritional maintenance. The aim of this mixed methods research was to investigate and describe the effectiveness, prescription and administration of OLNS for people with dementia living in RACFs. Methods: Following a systematic literature review, retrospective chart audits (n1⁄444) and seven focus groups (n1⁄455 participants, including Registered Nurses, Assistants in Nursing, Chefs and kitchen staff) were conducted. Charts audited were reviewed and results collated using predetermined questions. Focus groups were audio taped, transcribed and responses collated. Focus group questions regarding OLNS:Wastage; Resident acceptance and responses; Prescription, effectiveness and benefits; andStaff education. Results: Focus groups: OLNS are well accepted by people with dementia living in RACFs. Chart Audits identified a non standardized approach including: Inadequate assessment and evaluation processes; Haphazard documentation; Inadequate monitoring and irregular evaluation Poor consultation processes with staff, residents, family and health professionals; and Significant variation in staff training and education although there is no evidence to suggest this has had an adverse effect on residents. Conclusions: An outcome of this research will be to facilitate the development and implementation of recommended evidence-based guidelines for health professionals working with residents with dementia living in aged care facilities.