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Aged Care Association: Lesson series

Understanding and supporting residents with cognitive changes

Cognitive changes can affect a resident’s memory, communication, decision-making, behaviour, and ability to manage everyday activities.

This course supports nurses to recognise possible changes, complete appropriate assessment and documentation, communicate with residents and whānau, and contribute to safe, person-centred care planning. It also reinforces the importance of clinical judgement, early escalation, and understanding the person’s usual presentation when responding to change.
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Why is this course important

Cognitive changes can occur gradually or suddenly, and may be linked to a range of clinical, emotional, environmental, or health-related factors.

For nurses, recognising what is usual for a resident and responding early to change is an important part of safe care. This course supports timely assessment, clear documentation, appropriate escalation, and care planning that protects the resident’s wellbeing, dignity, rights, and connection with whānau.

Course Lessons

Meet the instructor

Orquidea Tamayo Mortera

Orquidea Tamayo Mortera is a Registered Diversional and Recreational therapist, working across the aged care, mental health and disability sectors. She has instituted programmes such as Cycling Without Age and Baby Buddies, where parents bring their young babies into rest homes. Tamayo Mortera has promoted the training and education of diversional and recreational therapists, training more than 1000 therapists. Tamayo Mortera assisted in getting both the New Zealand Diploma and the bachelor's degree in diversional and recreational therapy recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

From 2018 to 2025 Tamayo Mortera was the national president of the New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapists. She is currently the co-chair of Allied Health Aotearoa New Zealand, a forum for representation of allied health professionals.
Patrick Jones - Course author