Hearing the Voice of People with Dementia

'One of the strengths of this book is that it is written for staff and volunteers rather than for an academic audience. It is a thoroughly good read.'

- from the preface

Based on interviews with sufferers and professionals working in the field, on an extensive literature search, and on a consultative document which was sent out to over a thousand people, the book discusses ten key points: the possibility of communication; the disempowering experience of dementia; the different ways in which people are affected; the need to respect people's sense of sense of time and place; the importance of knowing a person's 'life story'; the effect of environmental and other factors on communication; the non-verbal ways in which people with dementia communicate; communication through 'challenging behaviour'; group work; the value or harm of sharing a diagnosis.

Practical advice and suggestions are offered to help professionals gain a greater understanding of dementia and develop skills which aid communication.