Introduced to Maslow’s Theory during my graduate studies, I have frequently had the theory come to mind in numerous work and personal relationships over the years. This simple and orderly model has been adapted for use in many different work settings. And so, it was not an unusual response for me to think of its application while being with my parents at the ranch. I wondered if dementia care had ever been viewed through the lens of Maslow’s model. Had Maslow’s model ever been adapted to dementia care? I could see its application to our experience at the ranch, but a number of Google searches during that period of time did not produce an adaptation.

A new model:  Enhancing Well-Being

In this publication, Dementia Beyond Disease – Enhancing Well-Being,  dementia pioneer and author, Al Power, MD, introduces a model which initially looks similar to Maslow’s model. Adapting Maslow’s original work, Dr. Power’s framework shows us that we all share the same basic needs.

The book contains a thorough exploration of seven domains which need to be addressed in order to restore well-being. Serving as the foundation for his framework, the seven domains, now referred to as The Eden Alternative Domains of Well-BeingSM  were identified by a task force brought together by The Eden Alternative in 2004.

His model is a proactive approach which challenges the bio-medical view of “behaviors” and drug-based interventions. This approach provides a framework by which to achieve a sustainable level of well-being. It is a transformative and humanistic approach to dementia care – and an alternative to the prevailing bio-medical view.

Dr. Power states: “The seven domains are not only universal across cultures and abilities. They are also outcomes that can never be achieved through pharmaceutical manipulation nor through simple interventions.”

As physician and teacher, his descriptive narratives demonstrate a compassion and ability to “come in close” to the person living with dementia. The world needs more innovators and educators like Dr. Al Power.

Utilizing Dr. Power’s adaptation, the pieces finally fit into place. I was able to finalize a model for our ranch experience, which is titled “6 Real Life Pleasures.”  It represents what we had set out to do as we began our rite of passage at the ranch. It can be found at the link which follows.

Learn more about Maslow, Power, and Enhancing Well-Being.

Dementia Beyond Disease, Enhancing Well-Being, Revised Edition, 2017. 

Author: G. Allen Power, MD, FACP (2014, 2017)   

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Author: Susan Troyer