How does assistance with personal care progress?

The progression of assistance with personal care for individuals with dementia typically follows a path from supervision and cueing to independence. This approach acknowledges that as a person’s cognitive and physical abilities may decline due to dementia, they may initially need minimal help or guidance, which comes in the form of supervision and reminders—often referred to as cueing.

As care staff work with the individual, they assess their abilities and support them in completing tasks on their own to the greatest extent possible. This strategy empowers individuals, helping them retain autonomy and dignity while also providing the care needed to support their safety and well-being. Over time, with proper encouragement and support, individuals may be able to reclaim levels of independence in their personal care.

Progressing from total dependency to independence or from supervision to complete care would not align with the goal of promoting autonomy in personal care. These options suggest a linear path that could discourage independence, which is not the ideal outcome for individuals undergoing care. The focus is always on maximizing what the individual can do for themselves, which reinforces self-esteem and motivation.