Abstract
Background and objectives: Self-management of chronic conditions can help individuals take control of their health, both improving well-being and reducing the burden on health and social care resources. This study explored the potential of our co-produced self-management tool, My Life Today (MLT), to help people with dementia identify, plan and monitor aspects of their lives that are important to them and that help to maintain or improve well-being.Research design and methods: We asked people with dementia to try using MLT. We conducted semi-structured interviews after one month and further interviews one month later. We also interviewed people who had supported the person with dementia to use MLT ('supporters'). We adopted a realist approach to thematic analysis to explore what works, for whom, under what circumstances.Results: Sixteen people with dementia and four supporters took part. All but one had mild to moderate cognitive impairment, and one had severe cognitive impairment. People with dementia used MLT according to their perceptions of its usefulness, their capabilities, and whether they had support. Using MLT helped most to think more positively about their activities and achievements and feel reassured by identifying the activities they were doing. Supporters and some people with dementia also derived benefits from planning and problem-solving to include more pleasurable activities.Discussion and implications: People with dementia and supporters found MLT a helpful tool. Mechanisms of engagement with MLT resonate with theories of behaviour change concerning the evaluation of capabilities and feelings of confidence in the ability to complete MLT and plan activities. Offering simple self-management tools such as MLT could form part of a post-diagnostic support package for people with dementia. Providing flexibility in when tools are offered and how they are used can allow for differences in attitudes and capabilities and increase the likelihood of engagement.