For some years now Tom Kitwoods work on dementia care has stood out as the most important innovative & creative development in a field that has for too long been neglected. This book is a landmark in dementia care; it brings together & elaborates on Kitwoods theory of dementia & of person-centred care in an accessible fashion that will make this an essential source for all working & researching in the field of dementia care." -Robert Woods Professor of Clinical Psychology University of Wales " Over the last ten years or so Tom Kitwood has made a truly remarkable contribution to our understanding of dementia & to raising expectations of what can be achieved with empathy & skill. This lucid account of his thinking & work will communicate his approach to a yet wider audience. It is to be warmly welcomed." -Mary Marshall Director of the Dementia Services Development Centre University of Stirling * What is the real nature of the dementing process? * What might we reasonably expect when dementia care is of very high quality? * What is required of organizations & individuals involved in dementia care? Tom Kitwood breaks new ground in this book. Many of the older ideas about dementia are subjected to critical scrutiny & reappraisal drawing on research evidence logical analysis & the authors own experience. The unifying theme is the personhood of men & women who have dementia
- an issue that was grossly neglected for many years both in psychiatry & care practice. Each chapter provides a definitive statement on a major topic related to dementia for example: the nature of organic mental impairment the experience of dementia the agenda for care practice & the transformation of the culture of care. While recognizing the enormous difficulties of the present day the book clearly demonstrates the possibility of a better life for people who have dementia & comes to a cautiously optimistic conclusion. It will be of interest to all professionals involved in dementia care or provision students on courses involving psychogeriatrics or social work with older people & family carers of people with dementia. Key
Features: * One of the few attempts to present the whole picture. * Very readable
- many real-life illustrations. * Offers a major alternative to the medical model of dementia. * Tom Kitwoods work on dementia is very well known"