Book: Emotional Well-Being for the Person with Dementia

Love is an elusive term that conjures up feelings and emotions of attachment and connection, of friendship and kindship and caring

Spirituality is also an elusive term that may or may not include religious needs. For some people it’s an important factor. Death is a profoundly significant event for all humans regardless of religious or spiritual beliefs. There has been research on the importance of spiritual support at end of life. People with dementia typically receive significantly fewer spiritual interventions than people without cognitive impairment.

In dementia and Later Stage dementia, love can be expressed through a sense of connectedness. Love and spiritual awareness can:

o    Promote one’s identity

o    Bring a sense of belonging and security

o    Support the need for space and privacy and therefore enhance dignity

o    Encourage people with dementia to participate in activities as much as is possible

o    Celebrate special occasions and making every day special

o    Bring strength in times of distress

o    Help to maintain faith practice and contact with faith groups

And  for Carers

o    Welcome and affirm the contribution which people with dementia can make to the spiritual life of others