Figure 2

Operational framework for crisis and retrieving a new equilibrium in dementia care. The figure represents the full process of crisis in dementia. Dynamic proportions within circles represent the burden and time input for the different perspectives potentially involved. The proportions change to represent the individual situation in a crisis process. Stressor(s) can be psychological, medical, social or environmental change that causes a shift in an individual’s homeostasis. The imbalance represents the resulting state of fragility from the severe breakdown in homeostasis. Immediate decisions aim to regain homeostasis. Resolution equals equilibrium, otherwise the crisis is unresolved.