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What is CDAMS (Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service)

What is CDAMS (Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service). West Gippsland Healthcare Group. What is the Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS)?. A diagnostic clinic for people with memory and thinking problems of all age groups Assessment at home by a specialist nurse

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What is CDAMS (Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service)

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  1. What is CDAMS (Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service) West Gippsland Healthcare Group.

  2. What is the Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS)? • A diagnostic clinic for people with memory and thinking problems of all age groups • Assessment at home by a specialist nurse • Clinic visit to see a specialist doctor • May need to see more than one…geriatrician, neuropsychologist, psychiatrist. • Feedback meeting • Provide linkages and referrals to mainstream services.

  3. Where can you find us? • Bawbawshire through –West Gippsland Healthcare Group : • Catchment area is Bawbawshire, South Gippsland and Bass Coast • Latrobe Valley through-Latrobe Regional Hospital : • Catchment area is Latrobe , Wellingtonshire and East Gippsland . • If a client/health care professional prefers one clinic for a valid reason this can be negotiated.

  4. How to refer to CDAMS • Ask the GP to refer – the GP will do some preliminary testing • Self referral or referral from a family member with client’s permission • Another service can refer with client’s consent. • CDAMS prefers to work with the GP who can provide follow up or with an agency that can liaise with the GP.

  5. Why come to CDAMS? • Early diagnosis helps with planning & quality of life • There are many reasons for memory problems • Some memory problems are reversible • There may be medication available to help • Diagnosis helps with understanding changes • Support and information may be available

  6. What causes thinking problems? • Depression • Delirium • Some pathology problems/physical illness • Multiple Sclerosis • A form of Motor Neurone disease • Anxiety and stress • Vascular cognitive impairment • Dementia

  7. Different forms of Dementia • Alzheimer's Disease • Vascular dementia • Fronto-temporal dementia • Alcohol related dementia • Lewy Body dementia • And others

  8. Falls and Dementia • When a client is accepted into the CDAMS program at intake we ask about falls risk for all clients over 50 years old: -Have you had a fall in the last 12 months ? -If so did this fall cause an injury ? If there have been falls and injuries (however minor ) caused then alternate referrals are suggested to client/carer i.e. physio or at LRH falls clinic. • At the initial home assessment falls risk is also discussed • Feedback provided to GP/Referrer is client is a falls risk .

  9. Potential causes of falls….. • Dementia • Polypharmacy • Depression • Delirium • Neurological disorders • Medical conditions • Reduced vision and hearing • Poor fitting footwear

  10. Planning ahead • Enduring Power of Attorney/Wills • Driving Assessment and planning for not driving • Accessing extra services to remain at home • Looking at respite/residential care options

  11. And finally …… • A diagnosis of Dementia can be devastating to the client and their family , so providing as much information as possible is essential to better understanding and accessing care.

  12. Any Questions? • Please contact: • Audra Fenton RN/CMHN. M.Nurs.Community Health Manager on 5625 0242 or afenton@wghg.com.au

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