Communication and the Care of People with Dementia

This book argues that communication is at the heart of all approaches to dementia care, and is an in-depth exploration of ways of establishing and developing communication with people with dementia. It examines both the nature of dementia as a condition and the subjective experience of those affected. The authors consider in detail how communication between people with dementia and those who care for them changes, and how it can be maintained and enhanced. They include a significant amount of material quoted from people with dementia, and suggest ways of interpreting their words and actions. We learn about what it might be like to have dementia, and what sort of help is needed by people in this situation. Throughout the book the authors address the ethical issues and the implications for practice. "The combination of creativity and critical analysis which the joint authors as poet and psychologist bring to this book is especially productive...The interweaving of substantial practice examples based on conversations with people with dementia give persuasive authority to the careful exposition and detailed analysis. The book is much more than an exhortation to carers about how they should communicate. It challenges them to understand themselves and shows how they might use themselves to engage with people with dementia." - Faith Gibson, Emeritus Professor of Social Work Communication and the Care of People with Dementia is a key resource for students and professionals in health and social care work, including those in such fields as social work, nursing, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, clinical psychology, geriatric medicine, and the management of services.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Part one: Basics Conversations with Alice 'A far fetch' Personhood 'The truth is mine, not yours' Nonverbal communication 'I just want to hold you and hold you one minute' Language 'Words can make or break you' Memory 'Playing in the House of Ages' Interpretation 'After all, what is this lump of matter if you can't make sense of it?' Part two: Practicalities Making contact 'Getting in a normal situation' Developing the interaction 'With you I am putting things together' Endings 'With regard to silence, I think it should be observed' Writing 'It's a good idea, this writing it down' Part three: Themes Narrative 'I want to make up my story for myself' Relationships 'I like us being with us' Awareness 'I'm thinking when I'm not saying anything' Part four: Implications Implications for care 'I need help, yes. But it's the way that it's done' Ethical implications 'What I want to know is, what is this doing for you?' Part five: Conclusion Conversations with Jane 'My mind, my whole sphere of life is full' References Index.