Like any other person, persons with dementia have needs and desires. A commonly used model in Dementia care is Kitwood's model.

In Kitwood's model, these needs and desires are very clearly categorized and described.

Comfort (comfort and encouragement) : The need for warmth, tenderness and comfort from others. Especially when a person feels alone, unsafe or anxious.
Identity : The need to know who you are and feel good about yourself. And being able to do what you always did (a sense of continuity with the past).
Attachment: The need to feel safe and secure with other people. It is about having secure and familiar relationships.
Busyness (having something to do): The need to be part of life and be able to feel useful.
Belonging: The need to be part of a group, of a social environment and to feel welcome.

At the heart of the model is Love: the need for loving attention and respect.

The model is often drawn in a flower

H6 roos kitwood.jpg

Assignment:

Redraw Kitwood's flower on a large sheet of paper.
Watch the video below, from Odenshuis Wageningen the Netherlands
What needs and desires do you see?
Fill them in on the drawing.