ABSTRACT
This chapter critiques the concept of self-management in relation to people with a dementia and develops an understanding that is more relational in quality relational care of selves. It considers why an alternative concept would be beneficial to the lives of people with a dementia. The chapter examines self-management and dementia, using a critical approach to consider how appropriate self-management is given the current state of knowledge about dementia and how it impacts on people. It also considers relational care of selves by considering a shared activity where care for each other and the self are recognised for people with a dementia and those who care for them. The chapter also examines the specific challenges of living with a dementia and diabetes and attempting to self-manage both. It concludes by suggesting that self-management as a concept would be strengthened in relation to dementia if it were conceptually developed alongside people with a dementia.
