Living well with dementia
Reablement approaches for people living with dementia can be explored in a number of ways. By working together with the person and their caregivers, strategies such as exercise have been shown to help to improve everyday function, independence, and quality of life.
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Reablement for people living with dementia
Wondering how wellness and reablement apply when working with people living with dementia?
These free resources developed by Hammond Care explore how home care providers can support independence and function in people living with dementia.
- Consumer Booklet An information booklet of reablement programs for people impacted by dementia.
- Sector and Service Provider Handbook Written primarily for service providers, allied health professionals, nurses managers, care workers, and others with an interest in improving function.
In addition, check out some great information by Dementia Australia. They provide practical tips for each level of care for persons living with dementia, and show how a little support makes a lot of difference.
Looking for more evidence?
A comprehensive approach to reablement in dementia.
As society grapples with an ageing population and the increasing prevalence of disability, “reablement” as a means of maximizing functional ability in older people is emerging as a potential strategy to help promote independence. Reablement offers an approach to mitigate the impact of dementia on function and independence.
In the absence of a cure or ability to significantly modify the course of the disease, the message for policymakers, practitioners, families, and persons with dementia needs to be “living well with dementia”, with a focus on maintaining function for as long as possible, regaining lost function when there is the potential to do so, and adapting to lost function that cannot be regained.
Service delivery and care of persons with dementia must be reoriented such that evidence-based reablement approaches are integrated into routine care across all sectors.
Read the full article by Chris Poulos and colleague.
Exercise and Dementia
Over the last few years, there has been some exciting research emerging about the impact of exercise on dementia.
Creating the best environment for reablement to occur
A reablement program could be a good opportunity to review other aspects of the person’s health and wellbeing.
In general, reablement is most likely to be effective when:
- There is a correct diagnosis of dementia
- Medications have been reviewed
- Any other medical conditions are well-controlled
- There are adequate pain management strategies in place if the person has pain
- The person has good nutritional status
- Any changed behaviours are identified and appropriate management strategies are put in place
- The person’s family member, support the person or care worker can be actively involved in the delivery of programs
Taking Action the Montessori Way
The Montessori Method: A Compassionate Approach to Dementia Care
Dementia is a really tough condition that affects many people everywhere. It can make life really hard for those with it and their families because it takes away memories, independence, and a sense of who they are. But there’s some hope! The Montessori Method, which is a way of teaching created by Dr. Maria Montessori, seems to be a helpful and kind way to care for people with dementia. Click the image to discover more about the Montessori Method from Keeping Busy.
Benefits of the Montessori Method for Dementia Care
The Montessori Method is a way of teaching that focuses on learning by doing things, using your senses, and interacting with others. It can really help people with dementia because they might have trouble thinking clearly or moving around, and they might feel like they’ve lost some of their independence and reason for doing things.