ABSTRACT
Living with dementia is a day-to-day challenge for both the person with dementia and the person's caregivers. There is a societal aspiration that people living with dementia can live well within their own homes, though this is based on them receiving the right support at the right time. This chapter provides two personal narratives— one from a person with dementia and one from a person who was an informal carer. Both narratives highlight the real-world challenges of living with dementia. Dementia is a cruel illness, both for the person who has it and for the careers, families and friends who witness it. Negative attitudes can be a significant barrier to people with dementia living well with the condition. People living with dementia can contribute positively to society and as practitioners we always need to deliver care that is respectful and person centered.
