In January 2017, Geriatrician Al Power, MD, wrote for ChangingAging.org on the subject, “Living Well with Dementia: What It Means, and What It Doesn’t Mean.”
Dr. Power is an author and international educator on transformational models of care for older adults, particularly those living with changing cognitive abilities. He is included in our magazine as an Influencer. Read more about his work here.
In September 2020 I wrote about my father’s treatment in a regional hospital in 2001 – now 20 years ago. My post included ways in which Dr. Power continues to contribute to change in the culture of dementia care. He responded to my post with the words, “It’s truly a shocking story, but sadly, one of many out there.”
He is one of several people within the international dementia community who has responded that the kind of inhumane treatment which Dad received has continued to the present time.
This debate, he writes, is about inadequate systems—systems of thought and systems of care.
“So part of care partnering is understanding that people with all levels of ability can teach us volumes about how to care for and support them. We must become the students in order to fully succeed.
“….This is not just theory. Many colleagues and I can share countless stories of people who have made a better life for themselves and their loved ones by rejecting a narrative of pure loss and tragedy and discovering a new path.
“It won’t be easy. It won’t be without sorrow and grief. But you will find the gifts and solutions hidden among the challenges, and each person’s life with dementia will take on a level of meaning and value that our current view does not permit.”
Beginning a new year – 2021 – with extreme challenges lying ahead, it seems an appropriate time to share his poignant words with others who may benefit.
Source: Read his article here in its entirety on ChangingAging.org.
Source for text on feature image: “ECT for Dementia” by Dr. G. Allen Power on Dementia Action Alliance
Author: Susan Troyer
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