Occupational Therapy and Dementia: supporting autonomy and meaning in everyday life

I graduated in Occupational Therapy in 2023 from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Moncrivello. During my studies, I completed clinical placements in geriatrics, neurology, and dementia care, experiences that shaped my interest in working with people experiencing cognitive decline.
After graduating, I gained two years of experience in psychiatric communities with varying levels of care, where I developed strong skills in managing complexity and delivering holistic, person-centered support. I now work primarily in the field of dementia care.

A person-centered approach

In my work, I believe it is essential to look beyond the diagnosis and place the individual, in all their uniqueness, at the center of the therapeutic process.
A person’s life story, habits, and what they find meaningful become key elements in designing tailored interventions that help preserve a sense of identity and competence in daily life.

Meaningful activities and strengthening abilities

I strongly believe in the therapeutic value of meaningful activities as a way to support well-being and participation.
My approach focuses on enhancing remaining abilities and existing strengths, with the goal of promoting autonomy and quality of life through engagement in meaningful activities, rather than focusing solely on deficits.

Environment and therapeutic relationship

I consider both the physical and social environment to play a crucial role in supporting autonomy and well-being. For this reason, environmental adaptation is an integral part of my work.
At the same time, I place great importance on the therapeutic relationship with the patient, as well as on collaboration with caregivers and the wider care network, in order to build shared, consistent, and effective care pathways.

Ongoing and specialized training

I place great value on continuous professional development as a core part of my practice. In recent years, I have attended several advanced training courses to further expand my expertise. I have recently completed training in the COTID model, a home-based occupational therapy approach specifically designed for people with dementia. This model aims to support independence in daily activities while actively involving family members and caregivers in the therapeutic process.