There’s lots of talk about preserving the dignity of people who are vulnerable, including the elderly and infirm, those who are differently abled, those who are approaching end of life and those who live with dementia, among others. But how can we actually do that?
Reflecting on what dignity is might be a good place to begin. Here’s are three definitions to kick-start the process:
1) the state or quality of being worthy of honour or respect.
2) a sense of pride in oneself; self-respect.
3) An individual or group’s sense of self-respect and self-worth, physical and psychological integrity and empowerment.
Beyond that, here are seven ways to preserve the dignity of others, and in the process preserve your own (downloadable the PDF below):
Deepen your understanding
Identify & satisfy needs and wants
Give freely from your heart
Never patronize, infantilize or demonize
Imagine yourself in their shoes
Tear down biases & barriers
Yearn to collaborate, not to control
See 5 ways we rob people who live with dementia of their dignity, and 10 practical ways to preserve the dignity of people who live with dementia.
https://myalzheimersstory.com/2016/04/23/5-ways-we-rob-people-with-dementia-of-their-dignity/
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