4. Unit 4 Emotional Well-Being Review

In Unit 4 we looked at emotional well-being for the person with dementia. We looked at how psychosocial needs cover the psychological and social conditions that are important in health and well-being, and include the care environment as well as the person with dementias way of dealing with relationships and social conditions. 

We highlighted the importance of a human rights based approach in dementia care, before moving on to look at Maslow's hierarchy of needs represented in the pyramid. We commented that people with dementia may move up or down the pyramid as their condition changes, and that the pyramid is also valid for carers as their needs change throughout the care journey. 

A person’s identity or 'personhood' was explored in this Unit. This was underpinned by a ‘person-centred care', approach to care, terms which were discussed in Unit 1. 

Especially important here is the notion of 'comfort', especially at the end of life stage. Comfort is defined as a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraints. Comfort care is about the idea of 'being with rather than doing for'. 

We spoke about the other six psychological needs outlined by Kitwood. These included love / connectedness / spirituality (not necessarily religious), identity (a person's life story), attachment (the lasting psychological connectedness between human beings) and occupation and inclusion (relationships that treat people with dementia with dignity and respect). 

We then moved onto the end of life phase and looked at the importance of connecting with the dying person. Again, we emphasized the importance of gentle human touch, of scent or smell and the emotions these evoke, of sound especially music and of sight and ensuring the needs of person at end of life stage are met (for example having adequate lighting).

Lastly, it is probable that the person with dementia will be unable to communicate verbally at end of life. There may be limited non- verbal communication. But, you the Carer, know the person well and know many non-verbal cues.

Again, full details in the Book: Emotional Well-Being for the Person with Dementia.