Dementia Answers: Balancing Independence and Safety
Updated: 5 days ago
Video Transcript [Answer 1013]
Welcome and thank you for joining me.
Today we're going to talk about how to balance independence and safety in people living with Dementia.
Autonomy means having the ability to make choices and feel independent. Safety means protecting someone from harm. For people living with Dementia, both are very important, but sometimes they can seem to work against each other.
On one hand, people living with Dementia want and deserve to have a say in their daily lives. They may want to choose their clothes, decide what to eat, or enjoy activities they have always loved. Allowing choices helps them feel respected and valued. It reminds everyone that they are still the same person with their own likes and dislikes.
On the other hand, Dementia can bring risks. Forgetting to turn off the stove, wandering outside alone, or mismanaging medicines can put someone in danger. That is why caregivers often feel torn between keeping the person safe and letting them stay independent.
A helpful approach is to find a middle ground. Instead of taking away choices, we can offer safe options. For example, instead of asking "What do you want to wear?", you might show two outfits and let them decide. If cooking is risky, let them help with safe tasks like stirring or setting the table. If walking outside alone is unsafe, suggest walking together.
It also helps to adjust the environment. Simple changes like removing tripping hazards, labeling drawers, or using automatic shut-off appliances can reduce risks while still giving the person freedom.
Balancing autonomy and safety is not always easy, but with patience, respect, and creativity, it can be done. The goal is to protect without taking away dignity.
On behalf of the Dementia Society of America®, thank you again for joining me today. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take care of yourself.
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