What should a nurse teach assistive personnel about caring for clients with Alzheimer's disease?

Providing supervision to prevent a client from becoming injured or lost is essential when caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Patients with this condition often experience confusion, memory loss, and impaired judgment, which can lead to dangerous situations if they are not closely monitored. They might wander away from a safe environment or fail to recognize hazards in their surroundings, making supervision vital for their safety and well-being.

While encouraging clients to make their own decisions can promote dignity and autonomy, it's crucial to assess their ability to do so effectively. In the context of significant cognitive impairment, this may not always be possible. Allowing clients to wander freely might lead to injury or elopement, which poses serious risks. Reassuring clients is helpful in reducing anxiety, but it may not address immediate safety concerns; thus, the focus should be on more proactive measures that ensure the client's safety.