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Enhancing Well-Being: Bridging the Gap between
Philosophy and Reality
G. Allen Power, MD, FACPRochester, New York, USA
17 April 2015
The “Gap”
• In two decades since Tom Kitwood released his seminal work, Dementia Reconsidered, there have been hundreds of books, papers, and seminars dedicated to “person-centred” approaches to dementia and many outgrowths thereof.
And yet…
• This philosophy continues to fall far short of reality for many, if not most people living with dementia today.
Bridging the Gap
Four “aspirations” to provide a starting point…
Aspiration #1:
“We will focus on wellness, not simply on
illness.”
Aspiration #2:
“We will strive to avoid using stigma and fear to
advance our cause.”
Corollary: “We will watch our language!”
Aspiration #3:
“We will make significant operational shifts to foster
well-being in all living environments.”
Aspiration #4:
We will shift from being “friendly” to being
“inclusive”!
Dr. Richard Taylor
“I believe that as people progress with dementia, their
humanity increases.”
Aspiration #1:
“We will focus on wellness, not simply on
illness.”
