Loss of Identity and Independence

People living with Dementia have many needs including:

• A sense of routine & the familiar
• Sense of purpose
• To feel useful
• To belong
• To share and give
• To feel confident
• To feel hopeful

One additional need that may become very difficult, as brain changes can affect ability, is to feel independent. Changes caused by dementia may lead to changes in their sense of identity. You can influence how a person with dementia sees themselves. Treat them as an individual rather than defining them by the condition or focusing on negative aspects such as lost abilities. Where possible, support the person with dementia to do things for themselves rather than 'taking over’. Many people living with dementia express that being corrected is one of their greatest frustrations. Instead, increasing the person's well-being and help maintain their dignity, confidence and self-esteem. Avoid assuming the person isn't able to contribute or understand what is happening.

How can you support them to be involved as much as possible? Look at the original list of needs and plan how you can help them reach those goals. 

Connect don’t Correct.