Person Centred Response
It is important for a person with dementia to maintain a sense of normality in their lives. If the person has been a smoker, then it is feasible that they will wish to continue this habit, particularly in the early stages. However, a person living with dementia may not respond to the dangers of smoking as they have in the past. It is advisable that as well as putting safety measures in place to avoid potentially dangerous accidents, they be supervised at all times whilst smoking.
It is also important to continue to provide ongoing evaluation to ensure that any technology or strategies used for supporting function and safety in the home remain meaningful to the person and match their needs, choices and abilities.