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A multiple perspective view of personhood in dementia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 February 2021

Niamh Hennelly Open the ORCID record for Niamh Hennelly [Opens in a new window]  and
Eamon O'Shea
Niamh Hennelly*
Affiliation:
Centre for Economic and Social Research on Dementia, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
Eamon O'Shea
Affiliation:
Centre for Economic and Social Research on Dementia, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
*
*Corresponding author. Email: niamh.n.hennelly@nuigalway.ie
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Abstract

Personhood has been a key influence on the development of person-centred care models in dementia. However, there is ambiguity around the concept and interpretation of personhood, and what it means in practical terms for the delivery of care to people with dementia. This study examines the conceptualisation of personhood within the formal care system for people with dementia in Ireland. A multiple perspective study design examines the experiences of personhood in dementia from the perspectives of people with dementia, family carers and a range of formal carers. Semi-structured interviews with participants were conducted in both community and long-term care settings. Interpretative phenomenological analysis is used to examine the data. A total of 31 participants were interviewed: eight people with dementia, eight family carers and 15 formal carers. There is general consensus on the core elements of personhood among all participants: interests and preferences; lifecourse experiences; social interaction; family; and place. However, there is ambiguity among family carers and formal carers in the interpretation of changes to personhood as the disease progresses. Interpersonal and structural barriers to supporting personhood are identified by all participants. The findings provide guidance on the traits of personhood-enhancing care, including effective communication skills, and the potential of health and social care reform to support the core elements of personhood among people with dementia.

Keywords

selfidentityperson-centred careperson with dementiaformal carersfamily carers
Type
Article
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 42 , Issue 9 , September 2022 , pp. 2103 - 2121
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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