A patient with advancing Alzheimer's dementia who has lost 40 lb in the last 6 months has been living alone and wants to remain independent. The palliative care nurse notices the patient is no longer able to cook and forgets to take medications. The patient was started on donepezil 2 months ago, but the family does not feel it is helping. Which of the following is the BEST option for the patient that the nurse should discuss with the family?
Arrange for Meals on Wheels and have the family take over the patient's medication administration.
This option provides a practical solution to address the patient's inability to cook and remember to take medications, thereby enhancing their safety and quality of life while allowing them to remain in their home environment.
While this option might ensure the patient receives consistent care, it removes them from their familiar environment, which can be detrimental to their emotional well-being. Additionally, it does not address the immediate issues of meal preparation and medication management.
Increasing the dose of donepezil may not be effective, especially since the patient’s family reports no improvement after two months on the current dosage. Furthermore, this approach does not address the practical challenges the patient faces with daily living activities.
Although this option might improve oversight of the patient's needs, it may not be feasible for the family due to their own circumstances. Moreover, it does not provide the patient with the independence they desire, nor does it offer immediate assistance with meal preparation and medication management.
The best option is to arrange for Meals on Wheels and have the family take over the patient's medication administration, as it effectively addresses the immediate challenges while supporting the patient's wish to remain independent. This approach enhances the patient's quality of life by ensuring they receive proper nutrition and medication without requiring relocation or increased medication dosages, which may not be beneficial.
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