Living Well with Dementia: Feeling Empowered through Interaction with Their Social Environment

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychology
• Dementia Care Research

Background:

• Understanding factors promoting empowerment is crucial for individuals with dementia living at home.
• Existing research often focuses on clinical aspects, with less emphasis on lived experiences of empowerment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and understand how feelings of empowerment can be promoted in people with dementia residing at home.
• To identify key experiences and factors contributing to empowerment from the perspective of individuals with dementia.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative thematic content analysis of interviews with 12 participants with mild-to-moderate dementia.
• Cross-cultural data collection in Germany and Spain as part of a European study.

Main Results:

• Three categories emerged: coping with life changes, retaining usefulness via social participation, and feeling empowered (self-worth, control, achievements).
• Continuity, active decision-making, and meaningful social contributions were emphasized.
• Empowerment was linked to social interactions, communication of needs, shared decision-making, and reciprocity.

Conclusions:

• Social environment and interactions significantly influence empowerment in people with dementia.
• Facilitating meaningful social contributions and shared decision-making are vital for promoting empowerment.
• Dementia care should prioritize supporting self-worth and a sense of control for home-dwelling individuals.