Practitioner Values in Dementia - Portfolio 3 - Essay Example

These systems are derived on the bio-psychosocial inquiries which addressed the holistic needs of the people receiving dementia care. Barker (2008, p. 297) identifies the different systems in dementia care and includes the following: biological system, psychological system, family system, health and social care system, cultural system, and sociopolitical system. These systems safeguard and promote the ethical wellbeing of people with dementia in various ways. The biological system focuses on the current condition of the people with dementia, their primary caregivers, and family members.

It ensures effective care and functioning by addressing the different life needs and its processes. For instance, people with dementia may have alterations in cognitive functions and the physical manifestations cannot be cured but can be controlled. Likewise, the primary caregivers or family members of people with dementia should be physically fit when planning for dementia care as the projected level of stress can sometimes lead to burnout. The psychological dimensions of people with dementia, their primary caregivers, and family members are also affected.

Having dementia and caring for people with dementia do not only cause physical exhaustion but emotional stress as well. It is often traumatic for the family members to find the diagnosis and dementia as it may bring back the emotions inclined with birth, life expectancy, and disability of the person. Family system centered on roles, rules, boundaries, and the family life itself. To promote the ethical wellbeing of the families with/caring for dementia, family-centered services must be designed and implemented according to the needs, beliefs, and perspectives of the family (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2009, p. 40). In Asian countries, family members believe that it is their responsibility to care; thus, it would be very difficult and humiliating for them to accept support in dementia care.

However, the family has the right to be informed of existing services and support groups that would aid in adaptation and financial matters such as the Dementia Support Groups and Alzheimer’s Society. Health and social care system encompass all aspects of health and social provision of care, including the financial aspects. According to (http://www.alzheimers.org.uk, 2013), it is not only important that we adhere on minimum standards of care; rather, we should promote high quality or personalized care.

The Dementia Care Program is an example of health and social care system that deliver high-quality relationship-based care and support for people with dementia. It involves collaborative efforts from different professionals such as staff from geriatrics, elder services, behavioral health, neurology, and dementia education (http://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/, 2013). The Dementia Care Program aims to address the different needs of both the family and the person with dementia and to aid in the progression of the disease.

As stated earlier, dementia care must be personalised. It must consider the cultural system or the religious beliefs and customs of those concerned in dementia care. It has been found by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (2009, p. 41-42) that ethnicity affects dementia care and very few enjoy the support of extended family networks. The role of ethnicity in clinical experience