For people with dementia
As a person using a service you have a right to be involved:
- You have a personal perspective about dementia that no-one else can provide
- Involvement can increase confidence and self esteem
- It can provide a role and occupation and contribute to a better quality of life
- You can provide positive examples of living with dementia encouraging others to get involved
- You will contribute to removing the stigma associated with dementia as with mental health in general
For commissioners
Involving people who use a service is a policy requirement:
- It can evidence where services are no longer required and how new services should be shaped optimising the value of available resources
- Feedback through involvement gathers data for audit and evaluation purposes and feeds into performance assessment frameworks
- It ensures fair access to public services and benefits
- It ensures equality of treatment and protection
- Involvement improves standards and responsiveness
- Involvement generates new ideas
For practitioners
People who are involved, whether practitioners or those receiving services, feel empowered:
- Information gathered and acted upon ensures the most relevant services are provided.
- It meets the personal and social needs of people using services
- It can assist people with dementia and practitioners to develop their potential
- It illustrates respect for individuals and their communities
- It promotes dignity, individuality, rights, responsibilities, identity and personal preferences
- Involvement promotes trust in services and may guard against abuse