Dementia will result in cognitive changes, but the person remains an individual with a personal history, experiences, likes and dislikes. It is important that these are known and understood. It can be particularly distressing for a person with dementia if those around them treat them differently, as if dementia were their whole story. Similarly, providing support and care is but one part of what family members, and friends do. As individuals, they too have personal histories, whānau experiences, likes and dislikes. They will play other roles in their families and have interests that are important to them. What does it mean in practice? Acknowledge and celebrate what the person with dementia has done in his/her life and can still do. Treat the person as an individual with their own values, interests, likes and dislikes. Talk to the person, other family and members and friends about the whānau things that have given meaning and hope to their lives. Encourage activities that are meaningful to them as much as possible. Take time to do other things outside of providing support and care that are important to you or that you enjoy. Independence Why is it important? Being independent and making our own choices helps us maintain a sense of self and feel good about ourselves. While some choices are simple, others are complex and require time and help to reach decisions or act on them. People have the right to make decisions that others might disagree with or think unwise. A useful principle is dignity of risk which is about the right of people to take risks in their everyday lives. A better quality of life may be achieved by supporting activities that have a level of risk. It is important to recognise that a person’s wellbeing is about much more than being healthy and safe. What does it mean in practice? Recognise and support the independence and encourage them to person’s make choices. Actively support the person to continue doing the things that are important to them or that they enjoy. Recognise that interest in particular activities or ability to undertake them may change over time. Recognise that risk taking is part of living and that accepting some risk might mean a better quality of life. Think about how to manage risk rather than limiting or restricting activities where there are safety concerns.
Dementia will result in cognitive changes, but the person remains an individual with a personal history, experiences, likes and dislikes. It is important that these are known and understood. It can be particularly distressing for a person with dementia if those around them treat them differently, as if dementia were their whole story. Similarly, providing support and care is but one part of what family members, whānau and friends do. As individuals, they too have personal histories, experiences, likes and dislikes. They will play other roles in their families and have interests that are important to them. What does it mean in practice? Acknowledge and celebrate what the person with dementia has done in his/her life and can still do. Treat the person as an individual with their own values, interests, likes and dislikes. Talk to the person, other family and whānau members and friends about the things that have given meaning and hope to their lives. Encourage activities that are meaningful to them as much as possible. Take time to do other things outside of providing support and care that are important to you or that you enjoy. Independence Why is it important? Being independent and making our own choices helps us maintain a sense of self and feel good about ourselves. While some choices are simple, others are complex and require time and help to reach decisions or act on them. People have the right to make decisions that others might disagree with or think unwise. A useful principle is dignity of risk which is about the right of people to take risks in their everyday lives. A better quality of life may be achieved by supporting activities that have a level of risk. It is important to recognise that a person’s wellbeing is about much more than being healthy and safe. What does it mean in practice? Recognise and support the person’s independence and encourage them to make choices. Actively support the person to continue doing the things that are important to them or that they enjoy. Recognise that interest in particular activities or ability to undertake them may change over time. Recognise that risk taking is part of living and that accepting some risk might mean a better quality of life. Think about how to manage risk rather than limiting or restricting activities where there are safety concerns.
1367102040.docx