Q: Laura, can you tell us a little bit about you? Where are you from, and why did you want to study occupational therapy?
Hi, I’m Laura, and I am currently studying a Master’s in occupational therapy at Edinburgh Napier University. I’m originally from Ireland and moved to Scotland for University. I chose to study occupational therapy as it supports people to live meaningful, fulfilling lives despite the challenges they may face. What drew me to this profession was its focus on a holistic approach to care. It’s about looking at the whole person – what’s important to them and what gives their life meaning and purpose. It is finding ways to support people to do the things that matter to them, whether that’s maintaining independence, connecting with others, or everyday tasks. Occupational therapy is all about empowering people to live their best lives, and that really resonated with me!
Q: Laura, you have joined us at Alzheimer Scotland on Tuesdays for the last 6 weeks. Can you tell us about the group you joined?
For the past six weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to join an Alzheimer Scotland group every Tuesday, and it has been a fantastic experience. This group consists of six adults, sixty-five or under, living with dementia. These groups provide people with a supportive space where they can participate in activities, go on trips, connect, share stories and receive support from other people in the group who are also living with dementia. Activities include games, music, dancing, art, walks, trips, and tea and chats! It was great to see first-hand the health benefits of occupation. For the brief time I joined this group, I got the opportunity to go on some lovely trips. We went to the Botanic Gardens for apple tasting, explored the grounds at Linlithgow Place, went on a Barge in Ratho and did nature walks.
I’ve really enjoyed my time with the Alzheimer Scotland group. It’s been great to see the group come together and take part in such a variety of activities. What stood out to me was the openness with which everyone shared their experiences of living with dementia. It was lovely to hear the group share their unique experiences and give and receive support to others in the group. The sense of community within the group was undeniable and it was great to see how much that connection positively impacted everyone.
I also enjoyed how often the group got out into the community. Whether it was a Barge trip or a walk in nature, I noticed the power of these trips for boosting mood. It was a reminder of the therapeutic benefits of connection with nature, physical activity and social interaction have on mood and wellbeing.
Q: What is one thing you have learned about people living with dementia?
One thing I’ve learned about people living with dementia is the importance of seeing the person behind the diagnosis. Dementia affects each individual differently, and no two people’s experiences are the same. When working with people living with dementia, it is important to focus on unique strengths, interests and experiences. Having dementia doesn’t take away a person’s identity, and by understanding a person’s background and what truly matters to them, healthcare professionals can help a person maintain their sense of self as they navigate their dementia.
Q: What is one thing you have learned about the role of occupational therapy in dementia care?
This placement has taught me about the importance of occupational therapy post diagnosis, and throughout the dementia journey to support people to continue to lead meaningful and purposeful lives. I have learned how little things can make big differences. For example, providing memory strategies, adapting tasks and encouraging the exploration of new interests or group activities can boost confidence and strengthen a person’s sense of self. The aim of occupational therapy is always to enhance quality of life, and for people with dementia, that means focusing on what they can do, not what they can’t. It’s about dismantling barriers to engagement and finding ways to keep people connected with their loved ones, their interests, and their community!
Q: What is your take-home message from attending the Alzheimer Scotland annual conference?
Attending the Alzheimer Scotland annual conference was an eye-opening experience for me! One of the most important takeaways for me is the importance of supporting personhood in dementia care. This is fundamental for supporting identity, dignity and self-esteem. It’s about seeing the person beyond their diagnosis and ensuring they are treated with respect and compassion at every stage.
Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to prioritise person-centred care, where autonomy, choice, and individuality are upheld. By focusing on personhood, care can be more compassionate, individualised and empowering allowing people to feel respected and understood!
Thank you for reading my blog.