2. Physical needs and physical health

Maslow’s (1943) hierarchy of needs is often portrayed in the shape of a pyramid, with the most fundamental level of needs at the bottom. This first layer is sometimes referred to as ‘physical’ or ‘physiological’. Air, water, and food are requirements for survival in all animals, including humans. Clothing and shelter provide necessary protection from the elements. For the most part, essential physical needs are obvious – if they are not met, the human body simply cannot continue to function.

Figure 1. Maslow’s (1943) Hierarchy of needs pyramidFigure 1. Maslow’s (1943) Hierarchy of needs pyramid.

We are driven to have our essential physical needs met and there are powerful messages being generated within the brain to help regulate and meet these internal needs. These messages then cause us to adapt our behaviour to the environment.

These essential needs are for;

  • Food
  • Drink
  • Appropriate body temperature
  • Shelter
  • Access to the toilet
  • Sexual needs

In Chapter 3 of Workbook 2 you were asked to always consider the following;

  • Exercise: does the person have opportunities to move around?
  • Good diet: is the person getting enough to eat?
  • Having enough fluids: is the person getting enough to drink?
  • Being free from pain and infection: is there any sign of physical illness which could be causing pain or discomfort?

When our needs are met this helps us to be calm and relaxed. When these essential physical needs are not met we react to being in discomfort in a variety of ways. A person with dementia may have difficulties in a number of ways in meeting these essential needs:

Difficulty finding the imagesDifficulty finding the images
Powell J (2007) Difficulties in understanding.

Difficulty putting the images in orderDifficulty putting the images in order
Powell J (2007) Difficulties in understanding.

Losing parts of the imageLosing parts of the image
Powell J (2007) Difficulties in understanding.

Task: Which of the essential physical needs affects you most when it is not met? (i.e can you cope with being hungry but become very distressed if cold?)

Make a note in your workbook and how you feel when your needs are not met

When a person has dementia their ability to meet these needs becomes increasingly dependent on the support of others. Maintaining a person’s essential physical needs requires a high degree of observation and imagination on the part of those providing support.

Physical pain and discomfort
There are many physical conditions that affect a person’s physical well being. For example: diabetes, osteoarthritis, anaemia. Certain conditions may result in a person living with chronic pain and discomfort.

When someone has dementia they may struggle to be able to locate the cause of their discomfort or communicate this verbally. Therefore considering what physical conditions they are living with becomes an important part of thinking about overall well being.

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