When it comes to caring for older adults, one truth always remains at the center of everything we do: dignity matters. It matters in the way we greet someone when they walk through the door. It matters in the patience we extend when words come slower or memories fade. And it matters most when life-altering diagnoses—like dementia—begin to reshape the way a person experiences the world.
When Illness Challenges Identity
Dementia and other brain health challenges too often steal away pieces of a person’s identity. The names, dates, and details that once shaped their sense of self may slip away, leaving families and loved ones feeling as if the person they knew is vanishing.
While there is no way to cure these diseases, there is a way to care deeply and intentionally for the heart of each person.
Honoring dignity means looking past the diagnosis to see the whole individual—their story, their spirit, their joy, and the experiences that make them uniquely them. No matter the stage of memory loss, a person’s value and humanity never fade. Our responsibility is to protect that truth, to create spaces where older adults feel seen, respected, and engaged.
The Spark That Remains
It’s easy to focus on what dementia takes away. But it’s just as important—if not more so—to notice what remains. While short-term memories may be lost, there is a spark that continues to live deep within an older adult’s heart.
That spark, when kindled by a song from childhood, the scent of a favorite meal, or the rhythm of a familiar dance, can grow into a flame of connection.
Moments like these remind us that identity isn’t only tied to facts and details—it’s also rooted in emotion, meaning, and memory that lives beyond words. By leaning into those sparks, we can create joy-filled moments of recognition and belonging.
The Role of Dignity in Engagement
At Oakwood Creative Care’s Adult Day Clubs, dignity isn’t just a value—it’s the foundation of everything we do. Programs like cognitive engagement activities give members the opportunity to rediscover curiosity, confidence, and connection.
Specialized Support Through CST
To make these experiences even more impactful, Oakwood’s Engagement Specialists are certified in Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)—a globally recognized, evidence-based approach designed to enhance memory, thinking, and communication for those living with dementia. Through CST, members engage in activities that stimulate the brain while also fostering creativity, laughter, and meaningful interaction.
This certification equips our team to provide not just care, but opportunities for lifelong learning and personal growth. Whether it’s exploring a new topic, sparking conversation, or encouraging self-expression through art, music, or storytelling, CST helps ensure that every day at Oakwood’s Day Clubs is filled with purpose and possibility.
One of our Cognitive Engagement Specialists shares why teaching history is such a meaningful part of her work:
“There’s a lot that I love about teaching cognitive engagement to the members. I love the curiosity the members have about the world. There’s so much of the world they don’t know about—whether they forgot about it or just never learned it, they are always so excited about what I’m teaching.
I love it when I cover a historical topic that the member can relate to. I have talked about the Civil Rights movements when a member told me that they were a part of the lunch counter protests; about nuclear power when another member told me they grew up near Las Cruses, New Mexico, and were near the Trinity test site. I have covered so many parts of history that they can relate to.”
Her words capture the essence of dignity in action: recognizing that, even when memories feel out of reach, older adults still carry wisdom, perspective, and lived experience that can light up a room when honored and invited to the surface.
Why We Will Never Stop Talking About Dignity
Dignity is not just about preserving comfort—it’s about preserving humanity. It’s about recognizing that even when an older adult may no longer recall the day of the week, they still carry within them a lifetime of stories, talents, and passions. It’s about choosing to see the person, not the diagnosis.
We will never stop talking about dignity because it is the thread that ties all of us together. When we honor the dignity of older adults, we remind the world that every life matters—not only in the past, but here and now, in this present moment.
Did You Know?
Oakwood Creative Care is bringing back the JOY in aging! We believe a diagnosis should not have to define your life. Instead, we have devoted our mission to reigniting hope for caregivers and older adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other age-related challenges. Click the button below to learn more about how we do this through our research-based, cutting-edge, creative care model found at each of our Day Clubs.
