Supporting everyday functioning of people living with dementia: The role of care partners

Abstract Functional decline is a hallmark of dementia regardless of etiology. Care partners are typically at the forefront of addressing functional decline by providing hands-on care, assisting with daily activities and assuring safety and quality of life. Care partners are for the most part, responsible for implementing proven nonpharmacological approaches that address functional challenges. Using a multidimensional framework, the Good Life Model adopted for dementia, we examine the impacts of functional decline on the well-being of people living with dementia and their care partners. We identify proven nonpharmacological strategies that optimize function and quality of life including activities, care partner interventions, exercise, music, art, and pet therapies. The role of care partners in supporting and providing these interventions to the person with dementia is described.