Personhood in dementia care

Abstract

Dementia has been understood primarily as a biomedical phenomenon with a trajectory of irrevocable decline related to neurodegenerative changes. However, growing evidence suggests that the performance and behaviour of persons with dementia are not exclusively determined by neuropathology but are also influenced by personal histories, social interactions and social contexts. This evidence shifts attention from the disease process to the need for a more in-depth understanding of the place of personhood in dementia care. Despite its intuitive appeal however, there is limited empirical research grounding this approach to care. This article articulates a framework for organizing research in this area that is based on a critical review and synthesis of research. It encompasses three interrelated and intersecting domains of inquiry: the subjective experience of the person with dementia, the immediate interactional environment and the broader socio-cultural context. Each domain encapsulates a unique but interrelated dimension of a person-centred approach to dementia care. de men tia d e m e n t i a

Couples Counseling in Alzheimer's Disease: Additional Clinical Findings from a Novel Intervention Study

“…“Awareness and sense of subjective self for the person with dementia is co-constructed within the spousal marital relationship,” a concept expressed by Hellstrom & Lundh (2005). How the person with dementia treats his or her partner and is treated in return can have implications for the unfolding of the illness and the strategies used to manage its impact (O’Connor, 2007). …”

A randomised controlled trial to evaluate the impact of a human rights based approach to dementia care in inpatient ward and care home settings

“…These principles have, however, been criticised for being vague and difficult to research and enforce. 36 There are high levels of congruence between the fundamental principles of person-centred care and a human rights based approach, such as empowerment and inclusion. 37 A human rights based approach gives backbone and a legal framework to person-centred principles, 37 potentially making them clearer to operationalise and more accessible to rigorous research.…”

Factors Contributing to the Construction of Personhood of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

“…In a review of the literature addressing the personhood of people living with dementia, O'Conner et al (2007) developed a framework for understanding personhood. The framework is comprised of three key dimensions: subjective experience (e.g., awareness of self, personal life experience, elaboration of strengths and needs), the interactional environment (e.g., interactions with others, relationships, communication, and use of physical space), and the socio-cultural context (e.g., values, norms, beliefs, and assumptions; socio-economics; organizational culture).…”

“…This aspect of understanding personhood includes awareness of self and elaboration of strengths and needs (O'Conner et al, 2007).…”

“…According to O'Conner et al (2007), the interactional environment of people with IDD involves interactions with others, relationships, and communication. For this study, this includes language, neglect, mockery, taking advantage, and marriage and children.…”