Page 59 - Prescription for Life YOD v3

Support to maintain these aspects of our lives,
including our spirituality – which can consist of
religion, beliefs or a connection with a higher
purpose will assist the person living with dementia to
maintain a sense of connection to their past, present
and future, with comfort gained from the familiarity
of these meaning-filled moments.

Occupation/Purpose/Self-esteem
‘Occupation’ is more than just a job. It is in having a
meaning and purpose to life. It is knowing that there
is value in the work that we do every day and that we
have an important and valuable role in our own lives
and those of other people we interact with.

For someone living with Younger Onset Dementia,
the risk of a negative impact from the loss of
occupation is high. As a result of the effect of
dementia symptoms and diagnosis, they may have
had a sudden and un-planned loss of career, with a
resulting loss of status and financial reward. This can
significantly impact their previous roles within the
family as financial provider and lead to a
deterioration in wellbeing and reduction in self-
esteem and meaning.

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