Finding the Balance: Enhancing Self-Efficacy in Persons Living with Dementia

Few attributes of personhood are more zealously protected than self-determination, and few fears more troubling than the fear of losing independence. For people with dementia this can be particularly intense. Using stories taken from experience, Dr. Wehry will illustrate why preserving autonomy and enhancing self-efficacy in people with dementia are important. She'll discuss ways professionals can support individuals living with dementia—and their families—in making decisions, even in the context of diminished decision-making capacity.

Objectives:

• Distinguish between autonomy, independence and self-efficacy.
• Describe approaches to dealing with diminishing decision-making capacity in persons with dementia.
• Discuss the positive benefits of self-efficacy on health and well-being.
• Describe ways to enhance self-efficacy in persons with dementia.

Presenter:

Dr. Susan Wehry, a geriatric psychiatrist with more than 30 years experience, serves as chief of Geriatrics at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.