MAKI Model: An Innovative Care Approach for Dementia - Milieu,Relatives, Continuity, Individuality
Authors: Lipaj Xhavit 
Published: November 2024

The M.A.K.I. model is an innovative approach to care and support for people with dementia that is based on four central principles: Milieu, Relatives, Continuity and Individuality. This model offers a holistic methodology that focuses on both the physical environment and the social and individual needs of those affected. The wellbeing and independence of people with dementia is promoted through the targeted creation of a safe and structured environment. The involvement and support of relatives enables better coordinated care and strengthens the social environment of those affected. Continuity in care, through stable care teams and consistent care practices, creates trust and emotional security. Finally, individuality respects the unique needs, biographies and preferences of patients and preserves their dignity and identity. The M.A.K.I. model is based on evidence-based research and provides a valuable foundation for the development of an empathic and sustainable standard of care in dementia care. i. M (environment): The environment ii. A (relatives): Relatives - Involving and supporting relatives and caregivers in the care process. iii. K (continuity): Continuity - ensuring continuous and consistent care. iv. I (Individuality): Individuality - consideration of the patient’s individual needs and preferences The design of the environment plays a central role in dementia care. An environment that is tailored to the specific needs and challenges of people with dementia can significantly improve their orientation, well-being and independence. Studies show that people with dementia react sensitively to external stimuli and need a calm, structured environment to minimize confusion and agitation. The spatial design should be designed in such a way that it provides both safety and sensory stimulation and promotes social interaction. This includes clear wayfinding, individually designed living spaces and a safe room layout that reduces the risk of falls and accidents. i. M (environment): The environment The design of the environment plays a central role in dementia care. An environment tailored to the specific needs and challenges of people with dementia can significantly improve their orientation, well-being and independence [1]. Studies show that people with dementia are sensitive to external stimuli and need a calm, structured environment to minimize confusion and agitation [2]. The spatial design should be designed to provide both safety and sensory stimulation and promote social interaction. This includes clear wayfinding, individually designed living spaces and a safe room layout that reduces the risk of falls and accidents (van Hoof et al. 2016). The environment is designed as a therapeutic milieu that promotes well-being, orientation and sensory stimulation. Calming colors, clear pathways and safe zones reduce confusion and promote social interaction, which contributes to an increased sense of safety. ii. A (relatives): Involvement and support of relatives Relatives and caregivers play an indispensable role in supporting and caring for people with dementia. Close cooperation with family members not only creates a trusting relationship, but also enables better coordinated, personalized care [3]. Relatives provide valuable information about the patient’s life history and specific needs, which is essential for targeted care [4]. Transparent and respectful involvement of relatives also strengthens their resilience and self-efficacy. Support services such as counseling, training and regular exchanges promote the well-being of relatives and reduce their burden (Zarit & Reamy, 2013). Relatives are seen as integral “co-caregivers” whose biographical knowledge and emotional support are essential. Their involvement enables better coordinated and personalized care. They also receive targeted support to reduce the burden and be actively involved in the care process. iii. K (continuity): Ensuring continuous and consistent care Continuity is a key principle in the care of people with dementia, ensuring stability and security. In an environment where routines and care processes are constantly changing, people with dementia can become confused, anxious and withdrawn [5]. Consistent care approaches and a stable care team, on the other hand, create a basis of trust that offers emotional security. This principle includes the seamless transfer of information and documentation of important care processes to ensure coherent care [6]. A stable care relationship also promotes positive interaction and strengthens the emotional well-being of those affected (Phelan et al. 2012). Stable, firmly assigned care teams and consistent routines create trust and promote emotional well-being. Continuous care in fixed teams creates a personal bond that gives dementia sufferers a sense of stability and security. iv. I (individuality): Consideration of individual needs and preferences Individuality in care is an essential aspect of meeting the specific needs and preferences of those affected. People with dementia often experience a loss of self-determination and control; respecting their unique preferences and habits helps to maintain a sense of normality and dignity [7]. Scientific research shows that individualized care approaches can reduce the risk of agitation and cognitive disorientation [8]. By taking into account personal biographies, interests and dislikes, an environment can be created in which the patient feels understood and valued [9]. The design of personalized care also includes the flexibility to respond to daily moods and specific physical or emotional needs in order to provide holistic care (Chenoweth & Jeon, 2007). The MAKI model follows a biography-oriented approach that takes into account the individual needs, preferences and life history of patients. This approach preserves the dignity and identity of those affected by specifically tailoring care actions to their unique personalities. This integrated literature provides a sound scientific basis that underscores the importance and effectiveness of the M.A.K.I. model in dementia care. Each point of the M.A.K.I. model is grounded in science and thus provides a valuable complement to traditional care for people with dementia by addressing their individual physical, social and emotional needs. The MAKI model is based on evidence-based research and provides a sustainable foundation for the care of people with dementia by combining personalized, environment-oriented and continuous care approaches.