Advice and guidance for relatives of dementia patients

This book deals with the topic of dementia and family carers. The author begins by describing the medical basics of dementia, focusing in particular on the different types of dementia. She then goes on to define the significance of dementia for health and nursing care. The main focus is on the treatment options and consequences of dementia. In addition, the terms family, family carers and coherence disorder of the family system are defined and described in detail. Furthermore, the different forms and options for accommodation, care and support for dementia patients in Austria are outlined. This work provides information about the individual stress factors experienced by family carers of dementia patients and outlines the help available to families. In addition, the need for counselling for family carers in relation to stress factors is explained. The author discusses family discussions as a way of accessing the family. Finally, an implementation proposal for the WHO (World Health Organisation) concept of the Family Health Nurse is explained.