Dementia progression implies care plans should be:

• A. One-size-fits-all
• B. Tailored to the individual and dementia type
• C. Based solely on age
• D. Not adjusted over time

Answer: (B)

Dementia affects people differently and its course can vary by the type of dementia, so care plans must adapt to both the individual and the specific condition. This means assessing current abilities, safety needs, behaviors, living situation, and goals, then updating the plan as symptoms progress and needs change. For example, early on the focus may be on safety and planning, middle stages on assistance with daily activities and communication, and later stages on comfort and caregiver support. One-size-fits-all won’t address these unique and evolving needs, basing plans solely on age misses important disease dynamics, and keeping plans static ignores the progression of symptoms and changing circumstances.