1. A matter of choice & control Grace O’Sullivan
Living with dementia:
A matter of choice & control
Grace O’Sullivan

2. When people have no choice it is easy to understand how they might feel deprived, and even hopeless

3. people diagnosed with a condition that causes dementia, do not lose the ability to use their brain (Power, 2014; Sabat, 2008; whitehouse, 2008)

4. people sleep better, eat better, feel better, and maintain better health when they participate in purposeful activities (Hugman, 1999)

5. activities that have a purpose and meaning for the person will stimulate the brain while supporting their identity and dignity (Wilcock & Townsend, 2000)

6. A strong sense of competence contributes to our self-image

7. 2. How do people feel when involved in an activity?
efforts to address the need for purposeful activity slide into time filling activities.
To differentiate
three basic questions
should be considered:
1. How can an activity help people to stay connected with ‘who’ they have always been?
2. How do people feel when involved in an activity?
3. How can an activity help people to feel like they have something to contribute?

8. Challenge the brain on a daily basis

9. pursue a full and active life
with routines that include a combination of physical, mental, and social activities

10. Loss of confidence is one of the most debilitating factors people have to deal with (O’Sullivan, 2010)

11. academic and scientific research have confirmed that social connections and purposeful activities are a fundamental human need
(Lieberman, 2014)

12. Hope is a powerful tool
especially when coupled with the resiliency of the human spirit (Frankl, 1959)