The Power of Meaningful Activity Engagement
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
The definition of meaningful engagement is the ability to have a purposeful connection with our environment. To thrive as a human, meaningful connection with our environment and others are essential to fulfill our deepest needs.
For meaningful engagement to occur, we need the following 3 human aspects:
- Motivation: Our impact on things around us shaped by our values, believes and personal interests
- Human roles: The habits and roles we identify with, and that is important to us
- Strengths and ability: The mental and physical ability and talents allowing us to follow through with day-to-day activities
The pivotal points for our persons living with cognitive decline is the following:
Our persons have an internal drive
- Even if they cannot verbalize it
Our person needs to feel connected to the “here and now”, a sense of belonging
- Even when they are confused
Our person needs to have valuable personal interactions
- Even if they don’t remember who you are!
Our person needs to feel valuable in their environment, because they still identify with
historical roles and abilities
- Even if we do not understand what that is
As care partners/family members/healthcare workers, we must guide our persons living with dementia around, over, and through the physiological barriers associated with cognitive decline so they can find meaning in their day-to-day life.