Quality of Life (part 1)

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

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Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting activities

Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer's Care
Ethical Guidelines

Background
For each person, the definition of quality of life is different and deeply personal. One person may define quality of life as enjoying the beauty of a sunset. Another person may describe it as sharing a holiday celebration with family; worshipping at a church, synagogue or mosque; playing a game of bridge; washing a car; listening to music or solving a crossword puzzle. Each person has a unique standard of what has value and what gives quality to life.

In defining quality of life, many different factors may be considered, such as:

the ability to think, make decisions and have control in one's daily life;
physical and mental health;
living arrangements;
social relationships;
religious beliefs and spirituality;
cultural values;
a sense of community;
financial and economic circumstances.

The issues
For people with Alzheimer's disease:

Influencing one's own quality of life: As Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia progresses, a person will lose many of the abilities considered important to quality of life. Some people think that quality of life is lost once a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Others feel that quality of life can be maintained well into the disease process.

People with mild to moderate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease usually know what gives them pleasure and contributes to their sense of well-being. They may seek help to adapt to changing abilities and participate in meaningful activities. However, if the person can no longer communicate or make choices and decisions, then caregivers, family members or health-care providers will need to make them.

For family members and caregivers:

Determining someone else's quality of life: Determining......read more about quality of life and come back for more information