ABSTRACT
The chapter begins with a discussion of the bio-medical model. It sets out its main features and examines the benefits and disadvantages for people with dementia. This forms the basis for focusing on Tom Kitwood’s ‘person-centred’ approach. This involves a discussion of key concepts such as personhood, malignant social psychology, positive person work and DCM. Critiques of Kitwood are discussed, followed by a discussion of person-centred approaches that have followed Kitwood, notably Brooker’s VIP model. This section also covers the importance of combatting dementia-ism in order to ensure that people with dementia are not stereotyped and stigmatised. Next, the focus moves to rights-based models which include a discussion of the social model of disability. The point is made that rights help with establishing accountability, and should assist in helping to promote empowerment and social inclusion. The final part of the chapter focuses on palliative care. It explains the role it plays in dementia care and raises issues for practice. These include the need to tackle the end-of-life conversations and engage in ACP. Suggestions are made for further reading.
