Personhood refers to the preservation and maintenance of self-identity. As older adults experience changes in their health and living situations, their connection to their personhood may diminish. Individuals with dementia face even greater challenges, as their identity and value can often be overlooked or diminished. Maintaining personhood in older adults is essential for caregivers to better understand their patients’ needs and provide compassionate, personalized care.
How Does Personhood Change with Age?
As people age, they encounter various challenges that can threaten their sense of self, including role displacement, deteriorating health, loss, and the stereotypes associated with aging. Moving into a facility with a high level of care may impact an older adult’s sense of independence, as they rely on caregivers for daily needs. This shift can sometimes lead to feelings of helplessness, a diminished sense of personhood, and even depressive symptoms.
Neurological conditions like dementia further complicate personhood by affecting memory, judgment, sensory abilities, moods, and behaviors. However, despite these challenges, individuals with dementia are still the same people beneath it all. It is crucial to create opportunities for older adults to maintain and strengthen their personhood as they navigate these changes.
How to Maintain Personhood as We Age
There are several ways to help preserve personhood in older adults, including fostering a sense of purpose, staying socially connected, and keeping reminders of personal experiences.
- Engaging in activities and hobbies – Staying active through community service, creative and mentally stimulating activities, and recreational hobbies can reinforce a sense of identity and purpose.
- Maintaining strong relationships – Keeping in contact with loved ones helps reinforce self-identity and provides essential social and cognitive engagement.
- Using personal mementos and reminders – Photographs, sentimental objects, and keepsakes from the past can serve as powerful memory triggers, helping individuals with dementia maintain a connection to their identity.
Research, such as The Personhood Kit Project, has demonstrated that personal reminders can reduce agitation and improve the overall well-being of individuals with dementia. As caregivers and family members, it is our responsibility to honor and support personhood by actively listening, valuing their voices, and recognizing their experiences.
Conclusion
While maintaining personhood in older adults presents challenges, it is achievable through joint efforts, compassionate care, and supportive strategies. By encouraging active engagement, using meaningful reminders, and providing respectful and attentive listening, we can help ensure that older adults retain a strong sense of self and well-being throughout their aging journey.
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By: Coco Parrick
Senior Care Advising Intern at WellPath Partners
Health Science: Community Health Student, California State University, Long Beach
