Final answer:
The most important information to share when discharging a patient with Alzheimer’s to a skilled nursing facility is a summary of cognitive performance, highlighting memory function, orientation, and daily task management.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discharging a patient with Alzheimer’s to a skilled nursing facility, the most important information to share is a summary of cognitive performance. This summary should highlight the patient's current level of memory function, orientation, and ability to perform daily tasks. It would include the results from specific tasks such as the three-word recall test, which judges the patient's ability to remember information over a short period. Additionally, it is important to communicate any symptoms related to Alzheimer's disease observed during the patient's stay, including disruptive memory loss, confusion about time or place, and difficulty planning or executing tasks. This detailed summary ensures a smooth transition for the patient and informs the skilled nursing facility of the level of care and support the patient will require.