Dementia: How To Maintain Their Sense Of Purpose

sense of purpose is missing

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Written by Larea Mcqueen

Hi, I'm Larea, a Certified Dementia Specialist and Registered Nurse with 30 years of hands-on experience helping dementia patients in various settings, from hospitals to nursing homes and hospice. Drawing on personal experiences with my family members and patients over the years, I'm here to help guide you on your caregiving journey.

April 11, 2023

The importance of creating dementia sense of purpose

Maintaining a sense of purpose is one of the most important things you can do for someone with Dementia.

Dementia can cause your loved one to feel confused, anxious, and disoriented. It’s common for them to struggle with feelings of helplessness or loss of identity.

Without a sense of purpose, they feel like they are a burden on family members. 

However, there are many things you can do to help your loved one feel valued. When they have a sense of purpose, they feel they are contributing to the household and they belong where they are. You can help them feel engaged, even as their dementia progresses.

 
Sense of purpose sorting

Tips for helping a loved one with dementia maintain their sense of purpose:

 

Find activities that are meaningful to them.

 
Finding meaningful activities is the best way to help your loved one maintain their sense of purpose. This can be anything from a favorite hobby to a volunteer activity or even a simple daily routine.
 
If possible, ask your loved one what activities they enjoy. Try to incorporate these into their daily routine as much as possible. If they cannot tell you, pull from your memory of them.
 
Start with what type of work they did. Activities related to their previous job can help them feel like their old self. It can also help them feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. and provide a way to express their skills and knowledge.
 
It can also help to stimulate their brain. Work-related activities can also help maintain cognitive function.
 
Sense of purpose cooking
Think about what they enjoyed before the disease. What interests or hobbies they had can help guide you.
 
For example, you can create a small garden area if your loved one enjoys gardening. Where they can tend to plants or flowers. If they enjoy cooking, involve them in meal preparation. You can have them help with simple tasks like setting the table. Household chores help them feel they are contributing and help them feel needed.
Sense of purpose solcialize

Encourage socializing to increase their Sense of purpose

 

Socializing is essential to maintaining a sense of purpose. It can be especially important for someone with dementia. Encourage your loved one to spend time with friends and family. Invite them over for a visit.

Often friends and family will distance themselves when someone is diagnosed with dementia. It may be because they don’t know how to interact with someone with dementia or they don’t want to see their loved one decline. 

Whatever the reason is, it is essential to keep your loved one from feeling leftout, unwanted, or isolated. If you think their circle of friends is shrinking, try to find a way to add more socialization into their life.

Help them join group activities or support groups for people with dementia. Try arranging for them to be in a group activity that aligns with their interests.

sense of purpose activity

Provide opportunities for physical activity.

 
Physical activity can help boost mood and promote well-being. People with dementia need to remain as active as possible. Encourage your loved one to engage in gentle exercise. Walking, stretching, or chair yoga work well for those with dementia.
 
Consider enrolling them in a structured exercise program. See if there is one designed for people with dementia near you. These programs can provide social engagement as well as physical activity. These programs can also help your loved one maintain their sense of purpose.
Sense of purpose mental

Help them stay mentally engaged.

Mental engagement is also important for maintaining a sense of purpose. There are many ways you can help your loved one stay mentally engaged. Encourage them to read, do puzzles, or engage in other mentally stimulating activities.

 
If they are in the early stage, consider enrolling both of you in a class or workshop. A simple art class or a cooking class may work well. These activities can provide a sense of accomplishment. They also help your loved one feel engaged and connected.
Sense of purpose patience

Be patient and understanding while building their sense of purpose

 
Finally, please be patient and understanding as you navigate the challenges of dementia. They may struggle with memory loss or other symptoms. It’s essential to approach them with kindness and compassion.
 
Remember that maintaining a sense of purpose can be an ongoing process. It’s essential to remain flexible and adaptable as needs and abilities change. Be open to trying new activities or approaches. Always keep your loved one’s well-being at the forefront of your efforts.

Resources for Caregivers of Loved Ones with Dementia

If you are a caregiver for a loved one with dementia, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Many resources are available to help you navigate the challenges of caregiving. They can help you support your loved one’s well-being. We have a private Facebook Caregivers Support Group, you can find us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/alzheimersinyourhome 
 

Here are a few other resources you might find helpful: 

  • The Alzheimer’s Association offers a wealth of information and resources for caregivers. Resources include online support groups, educational materials, and information about local resources. https://www.alz.org/
 
  • The Family Caregiver Alliance offers a variety of resources for caregivers. Resources include information about caregiving and dementia, support groups, and a national hotline. https://www.caregiver.org/
 
  • The National Institute on Aging offers information and resources for dementia caregivers. Resources include tips for caring for someone with dementia. They also have information about medications, treatments, and links to other resources. https://www.nia.nih.gov/
 
  • The Caregiver Action Network provides resources and support for dementia caregivers. Resources include educational materials, online support groups, and a national caregiver hotline. https://www.caregiveraction.org/
 
  • The Lewy Body Dementia Association provides information/ resources to Lewy body dementia caregivers. Resources include educational materials, online support groups, and links to local resources. https://www.lbda.org/
 
These resources can be valuable sources of support and information. As you navigate the challenges of being a dementia caregiver, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

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