Navigating Infection Prevention in Dementia Care: Strategies for a Vulnerable Population

Session Description: Infection prevention is crucial in long-term care settings, especially for dementia patients who are at an increased risk for infections and complications. The presentation, "Navigating Infection Prevention in Dementia Care: Strategies for a Vulnerable Population," addresses the unique challenges of infection control within this context, offering advanced strategies tailored to dementia care.

Dementia patients face distinct infection risks due to cognitive decline, which can affect hygiene practices, adherence to protocols, and symptom recognition. This session will delve into the intersection of dementia and infection risks, highlighting common issues such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and skin infections.

The presentation will focus on creating and implementing infection prevention protocols customized for dementia care, ensuring that these protocols address the specific needs and behaviors of patients. Attendees will learn about enhancing staff training to tackle dementia-related challenges and improve adherence to infection control measures.

Effective infection control practices that fit within the dementia care environment will be discussed, alongside the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and family involvement in infection prevention efforts. Advanced data analytics and continuous monitoring will be explored as methods for assessing and improving infection control effectiveness.

Through real-world case studies, participants will see successful applications of these strategies and their impact on reducing infection rates and enhancing patient outcomes. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively manage infection prevention in dementia care settings, improving safety and care quality for this vulnerable population.