Dementia Reconsidered: The Person Comes First Download Free (EPUB, PDF)
"For some years now, Tom Kitwood's work on dementia care has stood out as the most important, innovative and creative development in a field that has for too long been neglected. This book is a landmark in dementia care; it brings together, and elaborates on, Kitwood's theory of dementia and of person-centred care in an accessible fashion, that will make this an essential source for all working and 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, and to raising expectations of what can be achieved with empathy and skill. This lucid account of his thinking and 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 and 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 and reappraisal, drawing on research evidence, logical analysis and the author's own experience. The unifying theme is the personhood of men and women who have dementia - an issue that was grossly neglected for many years both in psychiatry and 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, and 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, and 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, and 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 Kitwood's work on dementia is very well known
Series: Rethinking Ageing Series
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Open University Press; 1 edition (January 15, 1997)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0335198554
ISBN-13: 978-0335198559
Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 0.5 x 9.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #491,782 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #59 in Books > Textbooks > Medicine & Health Sciences > Allied Health Services > Caregiving #262 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Mental Health > Dementia #335 in Books > Textbooks > Medicine & Health Sciences > Medicine > Clinical > Mental Health
Good book--but more for those who are policy makers or have the power to design/staff Alzheimer's facilities. In a way, the book is depressing for care givers of Alzheimer's patients, as the facilities described as more ideal for "the person[dementia patient] coming first" really don't exist.This book probably should be read by lawmakers, policymakers, and those who run facilities that care for dementia patients. If it could make a difference in their care, that would be wonderful. The current business, for-profit model is not exactly caring nor in the best interests of patients or their loved ones.It's an academic book--research based and not self-help or "how to" book for caregivers, but it is an important book.
What a marvelous help for those of us struggling with living with dementia in a loved one. This book gave me emotional support to continue working with what is still functioning with my husband and down to earth tips. I am grateful for such insightful knowledge.
The author attempts to convey an approach to the treatment and care of dementia patients which is strength based and life enhancing. Unfortunately it is out of keeping with the primarily profit based motivations of the traditional Long Term Care Facility. As a consulting geriatric psychologist I attempt to introduce principles derived from the authors work in my consultations. It has been helpful and often futile. The latter because it's impossible to encourage a CENA to spend just a few minutes actually working to develop a relationship with one of her patients for the patients benefit when she has 12 to 15 patients to care for on an 8 hour shift.This is, I hope, a guidepost for the future of dementia care. But only if we as a society decide human quality of life is at least as important as " the bottom line".
Tom Kitwood offers a refreshing and urgent call for truly "person-centered" care of the elderly - especially those with dementia. He describes a revolutionary and crucially important transformation of the way we take care of the our elders as they lose cognitive capacities. His ideas are supported by scientific research, theoretical concepts and many case stories. This is a must read for everyone who cares about any person who has dementia or may develop dementia, and anyone who works (in any capacity) with people who have dementia.
Tom KItwood's book should be required reading for anyone dealing with relatives suffering from dementia. In addition it should be required for the facilities and the care givers who deal with dementia and Alzheimer patients. Perhaps we should all read it in preparation for what may happen to us, and to make sure that the care-givers and care homes tending to dementia patients will be using the "Kitwood" method of kindness.
It's not a new book, but Kitwood's program for insightful and kind dementia care is powerful in a way I haven't seen elsewhere. it's ambitious, very, but as a caregiver of 10 years' hands-on experience I found it wonderfully supportive. And illuminating!
Kitwood brings his combined experience as an academic psychologist and loving approach to care giving to shift the paradigm of what can be done for dementia care. He argues that by focusing more on the psycho-social reality of the individual and less on the inevitability of biological decline, dementia patients can live with more dignity and equanimity. While the book is written primarily for care givers and their teachers, I found it very helpful in changing my attitude and approach to my mother, who is suffering from serious dementia.
The book is more for adult day care management who run facilities. If you need help understanding what your love one is going throught and how best to help this is not the first book you should read.
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