Hostname: page-component-77f85d65b8-lfk5g Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-03-29T15:13:41.384Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Towards a Theory of Dementia Care: The Interpersonal Process

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 November 2008

Tom Kitwood
Tom Kitwood
Affiliation:
Bradford Dementia Research Group, Department of Interdisciplinary Human Studies, University of Bradford, U.K.
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

A description of the microstructure of interpersonal processes is developed, based on the analysis of interaction as a succession of reflexive triadic units. This account can be modified in some aspects so as to provide a detailed theory of the process of dementia care. The theory is particularly relevant to moderate and severe dementia, and to formal care settings. A key concept is that of facilitation. The idea of a ‘culture of dementia’ is explored. Cautiously optimistic conclusions are reached about the possibilities for enabling dementia sufferers to remain in a state of relative well-being.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 13 , Issue 1 , March 1993 , pp. 51 - 67
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable

References

NOTES

1 Hall, J. N., Towards a psychology of caring. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 29 (1990), 129–143.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed

2 Willoughby, J. and Keating, W., Being in control: the process of caring for a relative with Alzheimer's Disease. Qualitative Health Research, 1 (1991), 27–50.CrossRefGoogle Scholar

3 Feil, N., Validation: the Feil Method, Edward Feil Productions, Cleveland, Ohio, 1982 (now available from Winslow Press, Bicester).Google Scholar

4 Holden, U. and Woods, R., Reality Orientation: Psychological Approaches to the Confused Elderly. Churchill Livingstone, New York, 1988.Google Scholar

5 Coleman, P., Issues in the therapeutic use of reminiscence with elderly people. In Hanley, I. and Gilhooly, M. (eds), Psychological Therapies for the Elderly. Groom Helm, London, 1986.Google Scholar

6 Sutton, L. J., Discursive critique and discourses in our study of memory and dementia. Department of Clinical Psychology, Moorgreen Hospital, Southampton, 1992.Google Scholar

7 Stokes, G. and Goudie, F., Counselling confused elderly. In Stokes, G. and Goudie, F. (eds), Working with Dementia. Winslow Press, Bicester, 1990.Google Scholar

8 Kitwood, T., The dialectics of dementia: with particular reference to Alzheimer's Disease. Ageing and Society, 10 (1990), 177–196.CrossRefGoogle Scholar

9 Kitwood, T. and Bredin, K., Towards a theory of dementia care: personhood and well-being. Ageing and Society, 12 (1992), 269–287.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed

10 Gilleard, C., Losing one's mind and losing one's place: a psychosocial model of dementia. Address to the British Society of Gerontology, 10th Annual Conference, 1989.Google Scholar

11 Sabat, S. R. and Harré, R., The construction and deconstruction of self in Alzheimer's Disease, Ageing and Society, 12 (1992), 443–461.CrossRefGoogle Scholar

12 Harré, R., The Principles of Scientific Thinking. Macmillan, London, 1970.CrossRefGoogle Scholar

13 Harré, R. and Secord, P. F., The Explanation of Social Behaviour. Blackwell, Oxford, 1974.Google Scholar

14 Shannon, C. and Weaver, W., The Mathematical Theory of Communication. University of Illinois Press, Illinois, 1949.Google Scholar

15 Jones, G. M. M., A communication model for dementia. In Jones, G. M. M. and Miesen, B. M. L. (eds), Caregiving in Dementia. Routledge, London, 1992.Google Scholar

16 Epstein, S., Some implications of cognitive-experiential self theory for research in social psychology and personality. Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, 15 (1985). 283–309.CrossRefGoogle Scholar

17 Kitwood, T., Concern for Others, Chapter 3. Routledge, London, 1990.Google Scholar

18 Clancier, A. and Kalmanovitch, J., Winnicott and Paradox. Tavistock, London, 1987.Google Scholar

19 Dobbs, A. R. and Rule, B. G., Behaviour of dementia patients: implications for environmental design and patient management. Paper presented to Geriatric Psychiatry Workshop, Edmonton, Canada, 1990.Google Scholar

20 Kagan, J., The Nature of the Child. Basic Books, New York, 1984.Google Scholar

21 Buber, M., I and Thou. Clark, Edinburgh, 1958.Google Scholar

22 Bell, J. and McGregor, I., Living for the moment. Nursing Times, 87 (1991), 18, 45–47.Google Scholar

23 Kitwood, T. and Bredin, K., Person to Person: A Guide to the Care of Those with Failing Mental Powers. Gale Centre Publications, Loughton, 1992.Google Scholar

24 Laing, R. D., The Politics of Experience, Chapter 2. Penguin, Harmondsworth, 1967.Google Scholar