5. Personhood in Dementia

5.5. Occupation and Inclusion

People at end of life have identified that the maintenance of normality is important to them (Black 2011), though none of the research was dementia specific.

The need for normality is doubtless present for people with dementia, even though the shape and presentation of that normality may have altered over the years, (Middleton-Green, 2017)

The importance of personhood remains vital to care given at this stage of life. The business man may feel the need to see or feel his brief case, the hairdresser may like seeing and touching a collection of brushes on the table, a mother may feel more comfortable being in the kitchen, surrounded by activity.

Being valued for who we are and have been is important. It facilitates identity, brings comfort and supports dignity.