Final answer:
A nursing assistant should assist a resident with Alzheimer's disease in bathing with patience and respect, ensure a safe environment, maintain dignity, and monitor fluid intake. Visual cues and a consistent routine can help with orientation, and the healthcare team may need to be consulted for a comprehensive care plan.
Step-by-step explanation:
When caring for a resident with Alzheimer's disease who has difficulties with bathing, it is important for a nursing assistant to provide appropriate support. This involves being patient, respectful, and ensuring a safe environment to help alleviate any discomfort or anxiety that the resident may be experiencing. The nursing assistant should aim to maintain the resident's dignity while assisting with bathing.
To address difficulties with navigation and familiarity in the resident's new home, the nursing assistant should provide a consistent routine and may consider the use of visual cues to help the resident orient themselves. Additionally, the assistant should monitor the resident's fluid intake to prevent dehydration or overhydration, which can be particularly crucial if the resident has issues with urinary retention, potentially caused by neurological conditions like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
If the resident displays significant memory loss, confusion, or poor judgment, the assistant should adjust the level of bathing assistance accordingly. Guiding the resident gently through the process and using a calm, reassuring tone can help ease any tension. In severe cases, the healthcare team, including the doctor, may need to be consulted to ensure that a comprehensive care plan is in place to meet the resident's needs.