Dementia: Inside Out
Module 3 - Lesson 3 of 5
Introduction
We are now going to shift our focus and try to stand in the shoes of the person living with dementia. We try to imagine the world from their point of view. We call this looking at dementia from the inside out.
How will a person with dementia define their needs? This is what we need to know in order to provide truly person-directed dementia care.
Warm Up
Whom do you see when you meet a person with dementia?
A Person with Dementia
A Person with Dementia
A Person
Dig In
From Patienthood to Personhood
When we look at dementia from the inside out, we focus on the following:
- Who a person is
- What a person can do
Who a person is, is as important as what condition they have. From the person's perspective, it is more important.
What a person can do is as important as what they can't do. From the person's perspective, it is more important.
When we shift our primary perspective from the outside to the inside we find ourselves looking at 'personhood' rather than 'patienthood'. This sets us on the path toward providing truly person-centered care.
What is Needed to Maintain Personhood?
Personhood is a term first coined by Thomas Kitwood. According to Dr. Kitwood, when we adopt a person-centered approach we are communicating: "I see you. I see how unique you are. And I see our common humanity." Key features of our common humanity include the human need for the following:
- Attachment
- Comfort
- Identity
- Occupation
- Inclusion
- Attachment
- Love
Compare this list with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. They are very similar.
In Texas OASIS HCBS, we have added the need to be treated with respect and to making meaning of life. Making meaning is a way of defining a spiritual need. Meeting these core needs has a positive effect on a person’s well-being. Not having these needs met leads to feelings of distress and discomfort.
Wrap Up: Lesson 3
Ways to Communicate You See the Person [Living with Dementia]
- Recall your common humanity.
- Engage in conversation about topics of mutual interest.
- Treat the person respectfully, as an adult.
- Find out the name they like to be called and use it!
- Ask about their lives, not just about their symptoms.
- In facility-based settings, make a point of commenting on how nice it is to see the person's visitors.
- Be interested in a person's culture, especially if different from yours.
- Provide access to activities they like.