Develop a 3-4 page preliminary care coordination plan for a selected health care problem. Include physical, psychosocial, and cultural considerations for this healthcare problem. Identify and list available community resources for a safe and effective continuum of care.

Preliminary Care Coordination Plan

A care coordination plan is essential when serving a specific patient population. It enables the proper planning of activities (U.S Department of HHS, n.d.). Furthermore, all stakeholders involved in healthcare service delivery get to access relevant information. Accordingly, holistic care services that address the needs of the specific patient population are available (Birtwell & Dubrow-Marshall, 2018). This paper discusses a preliminary care coordination plan for Alzheimer’s disease. Do you need urgent assignment help ? Get in touch with us at eminencepapers.com. We endeavor to provide you with excellent service.

The Health Concern and the Associated Best Practices

According to Mok et al. (2020), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that impairs cognitive and behavioral function. This impairment leads to disruptions in the normal social functioning of the person (Birtwell & Dubrow-Marshall, 2018). The disease is progressive and can transform from mild to moderate and then into a severe form of the disease (Mok et al., 2020). Data indicates that approximately 5.8 million Americans were diagnosed with AD in 2020 (CDC, n.d). Additionally, the incidence of the disease will triple by 2060 (CDC, n.d). AD is prevalent in people aged 65 years and more (CDC, n.d). The risk factors for the disease include age and family history (CDC, n.d). Furthermore, studies are ongoing to determine whether environmental factors play a role in AD development.

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by diverse signs and symptoms. The mild form presents with memory loss, getting confused about familiar places, and experiencing difficulties with handling financial aspects such as settling bills (Weller & Budson, 2018). The moderate form presents further memory deterioration, disturbance in thought and logical reasoning, difficulties recognizing close allies and family members, and anterograde amnesia (Weller & Budson, 2018). The severe form presents with absolute dependence on family members and caregivers. During this stage, mobility is lost, and most patients succumb to co-morbidities such as aspiration pneumonia (Weller & Budson, 2018).

Various practices can be implemented to promote health improvement for patients with AD. These practices should address the patient’s physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs. Progressive dementia affects the patient’s motor activity (Weller & Budson, 2018). This varies from the inability to eat and drink to absolute loss of mobility. Patients with AD should engage in periodic physical activity. Studies have linked adequate cardiorespiratory activity to higher hippocampal capacity (Sharma et al., 2018). This can significantly alter brain atrophy caused by AD. Physical activity should be specifically tailored for each patient. Patients who have lost mobility should be fed and cleaned regularly, including proper mouth care (Sharma et al., 2018). Tube feeding is useful for those who have lost the ability to chew (Sharma et al., 2018).

Psychosocial interventions are important for people with AD. In this context, useful techniques include occupational therapy, cognitive stimulation and training, reminiscence, and music therapy (Birtwell & Dubrow-Marshall, 2018). Additionally, social support programs and educational forums are useful. Cognitive stimulation enhances the patient’s cognition (Birtwell & Dubrow-Marshall, 2018). Reminiscence helps to create good memories and improves the patient’s emotional status. Techniques such as music and aromatherapy have helped minimize behavioral manifestations (Birtwell & Dubrow-Marshall, 2018). Support programs are useful for patients, families, and caregivers. They enable them to share their experiences and provide relevant help (Birtwell & Dubrow-Marshall, 2018).

Furthermore, cultural needs are relevant for patients’ health improvement with AD. Culture refers to a person’s way of life (U.S. Department of HHS, n.d.). Patients have unique beliefs and customs. They are most likely to seek care from culturally sensitive healthcare facilities (U.S. Department of HHS, n.d.). Healthcare providers and other stakeholders should research and be aware of various cultural traditions of specific ethnic groups with AD (U.S Department of HHS, n.d.). They should actively reach the patients via community contacts who understand their beliefs. Culturally sensitive practitioners and institutions are most likely to be contacted by people with AD (U.S Department of HHS, n.d.). This improves access to care and ensures the well-being of the patients.

Specific Goals to Address the Health Care Problem

Three major goals can