These meaningful experiences include opportunities for:

• Being Me: Opportunities to engage in activities that are personally meaningful and connected with current or past interests
• Being With: Opportunities to be with other people, pets or nature that support feelings of belonging and community
• Seeking Freedom: Opportunities that provide a break from the stress of daily tasks and responsibilities
• Finding Balance: Opportunities to find or create a sense of balance between relaxation and keeping busy – too much or too little of either is not good
• Making a Difference: Opportunities for a sense of purpose
• Growing and Developing: Opportunities to challenge the mind and the body, learn new things or have new experiences
• Having Fun: Opportunities to feel pleasure, enjoyment, happiness and to share a sense of humor

Since partnering on this research, I have continued my work and commitment to supporting the well-being of people living with dementia. Both as a professional care partner, and beginning in 2016, as a family care partner when one of my parents was diagnosed with dementia. As I’ve continued in these roles, I have come to appreciate, more than ever, the important role meaningful engagement plays. Not just in supporting well-being, but also in reducing or ending distress. I’ve learned that most expressions of distress among people living with dementia represent an unmet need of some kind. This could feel like a threat to their well-being. Instead of treating the distress by negatively reacting, everyone’s primary goal should always be supporting well-being. As a care partner, I have found this outline for thinking about and supporting well-being very helpful. I also use this to reflect upon and foster my own well-being. When my well-being is supported, I show up more. I am present, centered and capable of supporting the well-being of myself and other people in my life, including those living with dementia.

*Note: This research was published in the following article: Dupuis, S.L., Whyte, C., Carson, J., Genoe, R., Meschino. L.M., & Sadler, L. (2012). Just dance with me: An authentic partnership approach in understanding leisure in the dementia context. World Leisure Journal on Leisure, Health, and Disability. 54(3), 240-254).

Directions:

1. Freeze chicken 30 minutes until firm and easier to cut. Cut chicken into 1/4" strips. Place in a single layer on a plate. Wash hands, knife, and cutting board. Sprinkle both sides of strips with chili, cumin and garlic powder.
2. Add oil to a 12 inch skillet. Heat to medium high. Add chicken strips. Cook about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add bell peppers and onion. Stir and cook until vegetables are tender and chicken is no longer pink. (Heat chicken to at least 165°F).
4. Scoop chicken mixture ( 2/3 cup each) onto tortillas. Top with your favorite toppings.