Personalising Dementia Care: Constructing a Culture that Respects, Connects and Cares
ESSENTIAL READING FOR AGED CARE
ISBN 978-0-6489862-6-3 164pp Paperback (size A5)
“They are Still People!” This is what Dr Jenny Slape wanted to yell out to the staff at one aged care facility, when she witnessed their treatment of people living with dementia.
Instead, Dr Jenny Slape embarked on an in-depth research journey the findings of which are presented in this book.
Personalising Dementia Care: Constructing a culture that respects, connects and cares, reveals the challenges facing people living with dementia, their families and carers. The residential aged care sector is put under the spotlight here, and their corporate priorities are weighed against the culture and representations of ageing and dementia in our society.
As a society, we have high expectations of residential dementia care. Families expect their family member with dementia to feel safe and content, and to receive a high standard of care. Care staff expect to be valued and respected as employees, and sufficiently trained to perform their role. However, the outcomes of dementia care regularly fall short of these reasonable expectations.
Dr Jenny Slape discusses the culture of personhood care that is deeply grounded in the value and respect of each person. The needs of residents and staff are equally highlighted alongside competing priorities. Dr Jenny Slape provides a framework for personalising dementia care, and creating a culture of respect that connects and cares for people, at a time when the Australian Government is constructing its own response to the report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
