Maintaining meaningful activities for persons living with dementia

Abstract

As dementia progresses, persons living with dementia experience difficulties performing and initiating activities. Meaningful activities contribute to quality of life and are important for quality of care. The transition to a nursing home is an impactful life event for persons with dementia and informal caregivers. The aim of this thesis is to gain insight into how healthcare professionals can support persons with dementia and informal caregivers in maintaining meaningful activities during the transition from home to a nursing home. The studies in this thesis showed that the activities of persons with dementia change when they move to a nursing home. There is a risk of a decline in activity. Maintaining meaningful activities was influenced by various factors related to the person with dementia and their social and physical environment. It is important to monitor the activities for persons with dementia during the transition and assess activities repeatedly over time. Furthermore, collaboration with informal caregivers and healthcare professionals across settings is essential for maintaining meaningful activities during the transition from home to nursing home. This thesis provides important insights and a practical tool to support healthcare professionals in assessing and maintaining meaningful activities during the transition from home to nursing home.