Dementia Beyond Disease: Enhancing Well-Being

by G. Allen Power, Richard Taylor (Foreword)

“Be prepared to be challenged and inspired! . . . This book should be essential reading for all entrusted with the care of people with dementia.”

—Christine Bryden, author and dementia advocate

“a convincing argument for culture change by means of . . . well-being as a sustainable intervention strategy and a guide to changing perceptions.”

―Dementia journal (United Kingdom)

From the internationally acclaimed author of the groundbreaking and award-winning book Dementia Beyond Drugs comes another eye-opening exploration of how to improve the lives of people with dementia and those who care for them.

In this revised edition—including updated facts, studies, and terminology—Dr. G. Allen Power demonstrates how to achieve sustainable success in dementia care by changing the caregiving lens to focus on well-being and the ways in which it can be enhanced in people living with dementia. This approach challenges widely accepted dementia care practices and provides a compelling new framework to guide care decisions.

Through in-depth examinations of seven domains of well-being, readers discover how current care practices erode them, and the transformative approaches that can restore them, plus:

• advice for applying the well-being framework in any living environment

• insight on overcoming physical and operational barriers

• a wealth of person-centered, strengths-based approaches to everyday care

Filled with true stories that demonstrate the power of a well-being approach to greatly improve the lives of people with dementia as well as those who care for them, this book presents methods that promise a new and hopeful vision for achieving the best possible outcomes for every person living with cognitive changes.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 19, 2014

Reviews

[Melissa Klaeb · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a personal caregiver and one who works as an educator in dementia, this book has been a constant reference for me. This work and Dementia Beyond Drugs are the two books I would recommend above all others to anyone seeking to gain perspective and really practical knowledge in this area. Dr Power has challenged me in the best way through his books and lectures. Very grateful.

[Brynn Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dementia Beyond Disease is one of the most insightful and human-centered books available on dementia care. Dr. Power reframes the conversation entirely by shifting the focus from symptoms to well-being, and the result is both inspiring and deeply practical.

His exploration of the seven domains of well-being is eye-opening, and the real-life stories throughout the book show just how transformative this approach can be not only for people living with dementia but also for caregivers, clinicians, and care organizations. The revised edition feels even more grounded, current, and essential.

A must-read for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and anyone committed to compassionate, person-centered care.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. G. Allen Power has shown himself to be a fantastic advocate for people with dementia. I saw him at a conference and talked to him later in a phone interview about his support of the Music and Memory program. The personality that shined through in those conversations comes through in this book. He is compassionate and his book gives concrete evidence for the more humane approach to dementia care. He communicates about the tenets of person-centered care in an accessible way for the layperson, caregivers, and professionals in the field of eldercare.

[Denlillebogblog · Rating 3 out of 5]

3½ stars.

[Andrew Mantle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compassionate, inspiring, and paradigm shifting. A wonderful perspective.