Beyond V40.31: Narrative Phenomenology of Wandering in Autism and Dementia

'Vulnerable Monsters': Constructions of Dementia in the Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care

This paper argues that while regulatory frameworks in aged care authorise restraints to protect vulnerable persons living with dementia from harm, they also serve as normalising practices to control challenging monstrous Others. This argument emerges out of an observed unease in aged care discourse where older people living with dementia are described as 'vulnerable', while dementia behaviours are described as 'challenging'. Using narrative analysis on a case study from the Final Report of the Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (RCAC), this paper investigates how the RCAC (re)produced constructions of persons with dementia as 'vulnerable monsters'. Drawing upon monstrous theory about 'unruly and leaky' bodies, extracts from the case study reveal how the RCAC repeated and reinforced monstrous constructions of dementia. Dementia behaviours, particularly 'wandering', were constructed through a dehumanising crisis frame that produced 'challenging' bodies and legitimised 'last resort' normalising practices, such as physical and chemical restraints. In failing to resist monstrous constructions of dementia behaviours, the RCAC accepted and authorised a regime of scaled responses leading to restrictive practices for control of challenging bodies in aged care. Although dementia care and restrictive practices received substantial attention in the RCAC, this paper reveals a missed opportunity for deeper review of institutionalised use of restraints that has relevance for ongoing reform of Australian aged care following conclusion of the RCAC.

Denture tracker for edentulous Alzheimer's patients

Dementia in Alzheimer's disease complicates the caregivers in tracking the patients. Many options are discussed in the literature. A novel technique is essential to improve the quality of life and to assist in locating the patients. The Global Position System (GPS) trackers are attached to dentures and the movements are observed through a mobile application. This technique discusses on a simple method of tracking Alzheimer's edentulous patients with the support of removable dentures. Denture tracking devices are a secured form of tracking patients. A GPS device in dentures assists in locating the patient's movement and supports the caretakers.

Parent Experiences and Perceptions of Safety When Transporting Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

IMPORTANCE

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of unintentional deaths of children ages 1 and older, particularly children with health care needs.

OBJECTIVE

To explore family caregivers' experiences and current practices while transporting children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

DESIGN

A concurrent nested mixed-methods approach was used to gain insight into caregiver experiences.

SETTING

Participants completed an online Qualtrics survey.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 54 caregivers of children with ASD from 17 U.S. states.

RESULTS

Themes that emerged include sensory behaviors of children, education related to child passenger safety, and participation in the community. Statistically significant findings suggest a correlation between caregivers (n = 39) being less likely to participate in activities away from home if the child had attempted to elope (p = .013), displayed aggressive behaviors (p = .005), or demonstrated self-injurious behaviors (p = .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The findings suggest a correlation between caregivers limiting the distance traveled during vehicular transportation and behavioral safety concerns. If caregivers must limit travel, they may refrain from accessing the community and engaging in leisure pursuits. What This Article Adds: The findings suggest that therapists who treat children with ASD should be familiar with child passenger safety restraints, particularly for elopement.