Loss of motivation in dementia: A guide for aged care workers

Resource Summary

20 September 2023

Behaviour

Loss of motivation in dementia: A guide for aged care workers

#Dementia #USYD #Aged Care #Loss of motivation

Loss of motivation is a common feature in dementia and one which can be difficult to manage. When motivation is low, the affected person may seem disinterested, apathetic, or socially withdrawn. They may show a narrowing of interests and may not want to deviate from their established routines and rituals.

Changes in motivation can be particularly difficult to manage in the aged care setting. This toolkit has been co-designed to assist aged care workers to recognise motivational changes in dementia and to respond accordingly. A Quick Guide informed by the latest research has been included to provide practical tips to enable staff to better support the person living with dementia under their care.

This resource will help you to:

Recognise early signs of loss of motivation in dementia.
Implement practical solutions to support the person with dementia to stay active and independent.
Foster meaningful engagement through personalised activities, drawing on the person’s past experiences.
Decrease agitation and restless behaviour.
Improve rapport between the person with dementia and their care partners.
Increase social participation in the aged care setting.

This toolkit was co-developed and designed by Professor Muireann Irish at the FRONTIER research group, University of Sydney, in collaboration with Dementia Support Australia.