enhancing well-being: bridging the gap between philosophy and reality g. allen power, md, facp...

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.”

Thank you!

DrAlPower@gmail.com www.alpower.net