Exploring the Importance of Independence in Dementia Care

Feb 6

Caring for seniors with dementia requires a delicate balance between providing support and preserving their independence. Many people with dementia want to maintain independence while receiving the support they need to thrive. A qualitative study of 11 people living with dementia found that some seniors don't want to rely on people.

Recently, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of promoting independence in dementia care. This shift in approach enhances the quality of life for those affected by dementia and contributes to their overall well-being.

At Sagecare's private dementia care homes in Toronto, we believe in providing specialized care to seniors with dementia. However, we also understand the benefits of maintaining independence. Learn more about the importance of independence in dementia care and some ways to promote autonomy.

Understanding Dementia

An important question when caring for your loved one is, how can you encourage independence in a person with dementia? But before you explore the relationship between dementia and independence, it's essential to grasp the nature of dementia itself.

Dementia is a progressive condition affecting cognitive functions like memory, reasoning, and communication. As the disease advances, individuals may struggle with everyday tasks, leading to increased dependence on others for support.

Importance of Promoting Independence in Dementia

Here are some key reasons why promoting independence in dementia is necessary.

The Dignity Factor

Preserving dignity is at the core of providing effective dementia care. Independence directly contributes to maintaining an individual's dignity by allowing them to engage in activities that bring a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

Simple tasks like dressing, grooming, and making choices empower individuals with dementia, fostering a positive self-image despite their challenges.

Enhancing Quality of Life

Promoting independence in dementia care goes beyond merely upholding dignity; it significantly enhances the overall quality of life for individuals grappling with this condition.

When individuals can actively participate in decision-making processes and daily activities, they experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This positively impacts their emotional and mental well-being.

Empowering through Decision Making

One key aspect of promoting independence in dementia care is involving individuals in decision-making processes to the extent possible. However, it's important to note that the decision making process can look different depending on whether your loved one has short term vs long term memory problems based on their stage of dementia. In earlier stages, they may have more control over their thought process, making it easier for them to be involved, and this empowerment has a profound impact on their confidence and self-esteem.

Adapting the Environment

Creating an environment that supports independence is crucial in dementia care. Simple modifications to the environment can make independent living for dementia patients much simpler. Certain adjustments empower individuals with dementia to move around and engage in activities without constant assistance, promoting a sense of autonomy within their living space.

Maintaining Cognitive Function

While dementia inevitably leads to cognitive decline, providing opportunities for independence can help slow down this process to some extent. At our memory care facilities, we believe that enabling our residents to engage in mentally stimulating activities, such as solving puzzles, playing games, or pursuing hobbies, can help individuals maintain cognitive function for extended periods. This benefits their mental acuity and contributes to a sense of achievement and satisfaction.

Maintaining Social Connections

Isolation and withdrawal from social activities are common challenges for individuals with dementia. Fostering independence in dementia care includes facilitating social interactions and maintaining connections with friends and family.

Promoting Physical Health

Independence in dementia care is not limited to cognitive and emotional aspects; it also extends to physical well-being. Encouraging individuals to engage in regular physical activities adapted to their abilities helps maintain mobility and overall health. This can help you better understand why dementia and independence are closely related.

Senior man in activewear stretching outdoors in nature — *Credit: karlyukav Via* *Freepik*

How Can You Promote Independence in a Person with Dementia?

Once you explore the importance of dementia and independence, consider taking the following steps to promote independence in your loved ones.

Encourage Decision Making

Prioritizing decision-making is crucial when learning how to promote independence for dementia patients. Involve individuals in decision-making processes to the extent possible. Offer choices in clothing, meals, or daily activities, allowing them to feel in control and valued.

Create a Supportive Environment

Modify the living space to facilitate independence. Label drawers, use colour-coded cues, and organize spaces for easy navigation. These adjustments empower individuals with dementia to move around and engage in activities without constant assistance.

Establish Routines

Create predictable routines that provide structure and support independence. Consistent schedules for meals, activities, and rest contribute to a sense of control and familiarity. You can also create a dementia care plan that allows other caregivers to ensure that the routine is strictly followed even when you're not around.

Provide Assistive Devices

Introduce assistive devices that enhance independence, as this can promote independent living for dementia patients who don't necessarily need full time care. Simple tools like walkers, grab bars in the bathroom, non-slip mats, and adaptive utensils can make daily tasks more manageable.

Break Down Tasks

Simplify complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This makes activities more achievable and boosts confidence as individuals complete each step.

Promote Social Engagement

Facilitate social interactions and maintain connections with friends and family. Whether through community programs, support groups, or family gatherings, social engagement contributes to a sense of belonging and combats the adverse effects of isolation on mental health.

Encourage Physical Activities

Support regular physical activities adapted to individual abilities based on your loved one's comfort. Gentle exercises, walks, or group activities designed for individuals with dementia promote mobility and overall health.

Conclusion

Recognizing and promoting independence in dementia care is a transformative approach that positively impacts the lives of individuals facing this challenging condition. As we continue to advance in our understanding of dementia care, prioritizing independence emerges as a cornerstone in providing compassionate and effective support.

By embracing this approach and incorporating practical strategies, we can improve the lives of those with dementia and cultivate a society that values every individual's inherent worth and autonomy, regardless of their cognitive abilities.

Melanie Lima-Ribeiro

Melanie is a healthcare leader with progressive experience in clinical leadership positions within the Long Term Care, Retirement and ALC sectors. Melanie has always had a passion for seniors as her maternal grandparents played a vital role in her upbringing. Melanie lived with her grandparents until they passed.

At an early age, Melanie realized she enjoyed helping seniors, so at age 15 she started working part-time as a dietary aide in a Long Term Care Home in downtown Toronto. She immediately had a heart for the healthcare sector, especially the geriatrics populations, so she pursued nursing.

Melanie is passionate about resident- and family-centred care. Every individual is unique and their individual needs are unique. Melanie’s leadership skills allow her to build deep relationships with partners in the community and advocate for the well-being of those living with dementia.