Here are the 9 Dimensions of Human Well-Being in Dementia
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Physical
Supporting comfort, mobility, and bodily health to help the person feel at ease in their body. -
Safety
Creating an environment where the person feels secure, protected, and free from harm or confusion. -
Spiritual
Honoring the person’s beliefs, values, or sense of purpose to foster peace and inner strength. -
Cognitive
Encouraging thinking, awareness, and mental stimulation in ways the person can still enjoy. -
Psychological
Nurturing self-esteem, confidence, and identity, even as roles and abilities change. -
Sensory
Providing soothing, familiar, or stimulating sensory experiences that bring comfort or joy. -
Environmental
Designing spaces that feel safe, welcoming, and supportive of independence and orientation. -
Social
Promoting connection through relationships, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging. -
Emotional
Tuning in to mood, feelings, and emotional expression to offer validation and calm.
The concept of human well-being is multi-dimensional, and while different models use slightly different categories, one widely accepted framework identifies nine dimensions or domains of well-being. These are commonly used in health, aging, and community care models, including dementia care.
You may be wondering…
Do the 9 Dimensions of Human Well-Being Change for Different Groups?
The dimensions don’t really change — but how we express, prioritize, or support each one absolutely does.
Here’s how that works:
The fundamental human needs — like connection, safety, purpose, and comfort — are universal. These nine dimensions capture that whole-person view, no matter who you’re working with.
What fulfills or disrupts each dimension can vary depending on the group:
| Group | How Dimensions Shift in Practice |
|---|---|
| People living with dementia | Cognitive and sensory support may rise in priority. Safety may become more environmental. Occupational roles may look like adapted tasks, not jobs. |
| Children in school settings | Social, cognitive, and sensory well-being often take center stage. Occupational well-being may relate to play or responsibility in the classroom. |
| Staff or caregivers | Occupational and emotional well-being might dominate. Spiritual and cultural well-being may need attention to prevent burnout or disconnection. |
| People in palliative care | Spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being often come to the foreground. Occupational and cognitive needs may shift but don’t disappear. |
In other words, the lens adjusts, not the framework.
Learn more about UNMET NEEDS and how to understand and respond to them. It’s not magic and you don’t need to be a psychologist. Join us for a session of Beyond the Behavior: A Live Learning Lab all about managing responsive behaviors using the adapted Montessori method. Click here for details and/or registration
