What Are the 7 Domains of Well-Being in Dementia Care?
Author: Dawn Wiggins, RPN, MSc
From Friction to Flow: How the Domains of Well-Being Transform Dementia Care
If you're familiar with the phrase "person-centered care," you'll know it's something of an industry buzzword. But let's get past the jargon and really dig into what it means to offer not just individualized but truly transformative care for people living with dementia. I'm not just talking about sprinkling the term "person-centered" here and there; I'm talking about enriching lives through a focus on the domains of wellbeing.
- Identity: The Cornerstone of Self
When we talk about identity, we're talking about the tapestry of memories, relationships, values, and experiences that create a unique sense of self. In dementia care, we shouldn't just aim to manage symptoms; we should aim to recognize and honor the identity that exists within everyone. - Growth: Cultivating Progressive Development
We're never too old to grow. By tapping into a person's strengths and passions, we provide a platform for continuous development, even amidst the challenges of dementia. This isn't just about maintaining skills, but about fostering a sense of progress and achievement. - Autonomy: The Power of Choice
Nobody likes to feel as though their life is being dictated by others. Offering choices—whether in activities, meal options, or daily routines—respects an individual’s autonomy. In other words, it gives them freedom from external control and enhances their dignity. - Security: A Double-Edged Sword of Safety and Emotional Wellbeing
Security isn’t just about physical safety. It's about creating an environment where people are free from fear, anxiety, and distress—a sanctuary where they feel truly at home. - Connectedness: The Fabric of Belonging
We're social beings by nature, and dementia shouldn’t rob anyone of the feeling of connectedness. Whether it's through communal activities or simply enjoying a meaningful one-on-one conversation, we strive to foster a sense of belonging and community. - Meaning: Beyond Existence to Essence
Every life has a story, and every story has meaning. In dementia care, it’s our role to help individuals feel like the main characters in their own life stories—stories that are filled with purpose and significance. - Joy: The Spark that Ignites Wellbeing
Finally, we have joy—an emotion that’s often overlooked in clinical settings but is crucial for overall wellbeing. Whether it’s the simple pleasure of a familiar song or the laughter that comes from a spontaneous moment, joy should be a daily part of dementia care.
Putting It All Together: The Wellbeing-Centric Model
So how does this all manifest in real-world care? In my experience, weaving these seven domains into our caregiving approach naturally minimizes friction points. It's a philosophy I've integrated into the ARJO DEMENTIA CARE 5 model to ensure that our practices are not just efficient, but extraordinarily enriching.
Conclusion: The New North Star of Dementia Care
You see, it's not just about steering the ship through stormy waters; it’s about choosing the right compass—our seven domains of wellbeing—to guide us. When we center our care around these domains, we transform the entire experience for everyone involved, making the journey not just bearable but beautiful.
Person-centered care isn't just a catchphrase; when infused with a multi-faceted focus on wellbeing, it becomes a life-altering philosophy. So, let's move beyond buzzwords and into a realm where dignity, growth, and joy are the order of the day.
Dementia Care Solutions Clinical Focus Guide
Due to the progressive nature of dementia and the potential presence of other chronic underlying conditions that may already affect mobility, the declining ability of the person to understand the task to be completed, along with communication challenges, it is easy to appreciate that hygiene care, mobility, and safe moving and handling are potentially complex aspects of supporting people with dementia.
Download our Dementia Care Solutions Clinical Focus Guide and learn about:
- Person-centered care for people living with dementia
- Overview and summary of needs when assessing hygiene and mobility risk
- Care recommendations for hygiene, mobility, and handling in dementia care
- Case examples from the Arjo Dementia Care portfolio
DOWNLOAD DEMENTIA CARE SOLUTIONS CLINICAL FOCUS GUIDE
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About the author
Dawn Wiggins, RPN, MSc, President of ‘New Dementians Professional Healthcare’, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Speaker, Certified PAC Consultant, Trainer, Coach and Mentor (Teepa Snow).
Dawn is a registered nursing professional in the province of Ontario and has over 25 years of frontline healthcare experience. She leads a dynamic team of healthcare experts dedicated to one thing-making a positive impact in the lives of people living with dementia and their care partners.
Dawn has served in a number of different capacities over the years and has a wealth of experience in acute care, long term care, psychiatric care, home care, rehabilitation and palliative care. She has built and managed world class dementia care neighborhoods at the institutional level.