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

Author

Listed:
  • Berit Ziebuhr

    (St. Hedwig Kliniken Berlin, Alexianer Krankenhaus Hedwigshoehe, Berlin 12526, Germany
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Michele Zanasi

    (St. Hedwig Kliniken Berlin, Alexianer Krankenhaus Hedwigshoehe, Berlin 12526, Germany
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Yolanda Bueno Aguado

    (Fundación INTRAS, INTRAS Neuropsychology Clinic, 47016 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Raquel Losada Durán

    (Fundación INTRAS, RDi Projects Department, 47016 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Tom Dening

    (Mental Health & Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2TU, UK)

  • Isabelle Tournier

    (Department of Design, Manchester School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BR, UK
    Department of Psychology, Laboratoire Cliniques Pathologique et Interculturelle, Université Toulouse 2 Jean Jaurès, 31058 Toulouse, France)

  • Kristina Niedderer

    (Department of Design, Manchester School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BR, UK)

  • Ana Diaz

    (Alzheimer Europe, 1417 Luxembourg, Luxembourg)

  • Diana Druschke

    (Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany)

  • Rosa Almeida

    (Fundación INTRAS, RDi Projects Department, 47016 Valladolid, Spain
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Vjera Holthoff-Detto

    (St. Hedwig Kliniken Berlin, Alexianer Krankenhaus Hedwigshoehe, Berlin 12526, Germany
    Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology Dresden, Alexianer Krankenhaus Hedwigshoehe, 12526 Berlin, Germany
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

This study was designed to advance our understanding of how feelings of empowerment in people living with dementia still residing at home can be promoted. We conducted qualitative interviews with 12 participants with mild-to-moderate stages of dementia in Germany and Spain as part of a European study on mindful design for dementia. A qualitative thematic content analysis was performed to elicit the key features of the experience reported by the interviewees. Three overarching categories were identified: the first category ‘experiencing changes in personal life and coping with changes in life’ covered losses and coping strategies; the second category ‘retaining a sense of usefulness‘ included social participation and the need for activities with others; the third category ‘feeling empowered’ covered reflections on lifetime achievements, accomplishments in the present life, being in control and self-worth. Participants placed a strong emphasis on continuity and on the importance of making active decisions and meaningful social contributions. Empowerment within the person living with dementia was achieved through their interactions with their social environment, including the significance of communication about their needs and wishes and enabling shared decision-making and interactions with others in reciprocity.

Suggested Citation

  • Berit Ziebuhr & Michele Zanasi & Yolanda Bueno Aguado & Raquel Losada Durán & Tom Dening & Isabelle Tournier & Kristina Niedderer & Ana Diaz & Diana Druschke & Rosa Almeida & Vjera Holthoff-Detto, 2023. "Living Well with Dementia: Feeling Empowered through Interaction with Their Social Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(12), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:12:p:6080-:d:1166262
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Andy Hong & Jessie Welch-Stockton & Ja Young Kim & Sarah L. Canham & Valerie Greer & Michelle Sorweid, 2023. "Age-Friendly Community Interventions for Health and Social Outcomes: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-27, January.
    2. Valentina Bressan & Allette Snijder & Henriette Hansen & Kim Koldby & Knud Damgaard Andersen & Natalia Allegretti & Federica Porcu & Sara Marsillas & Alvaro García & Alvisa Palese, 2022. "Supporting the Community to Embrace Individuals with Dementia and to Be More Inclusive: Findings of a Conceptual Framework Development Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-14, August.
    3. Isabelle Tournier & Laura Orton & Tom Dening & Anya Ahmed & Vjera Holthoff-Detto & Kristina Niedderer, 2023. "An Investigation of the Wishes, Needs, Opportunities and Challenges of Accessing Meaningful Activities for People Living with Mild to Moderate Dementia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(7), pages 1-25, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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