Description

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This timely book challenges readers to rethink the intersection of dementia, policy, and care from a human rights perspective. Drawing on the latest research and most advanced thinking in best practices, Suzanne Cahill brings together concepts such as disability, social inclusion, personhood, social justice, equality, participation, empowerment, autonomy, and normalization to apply a social constructionist lens to the current state of dementia services. Disputing the biomedical and clinical thinking that underlies services’ existing structure and organization, Dementia and Human Rights explores how many people living with dementia can actively manage their own lives.

Uniquely, the book captures the insights and subjective experiences of both people living with dementia and their caregivers (formal and informal), as well as of policy makers and service planners. Distilling international case studies, research, and policy directives, this comprehensive, easy-to-read book makes an original argument for the joint improvement of quality of life and quality of care. More broadly, Cahill advocates for the need for social change, a greater awareness of human rights, and the incorporation of rights-based approaches into policy research and practice.

About the Author

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Suzanne Cahill is national director of the Dementia Services Information and Development Centre and research associate professor in the Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, where she is also adjunct associate professor of social work and social policy.

Praise For…

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“Recommended. . .Powerfully advocates for person-centered principles of participation, accountability, non-discrimination, empowerment, and legality. A worthwhile addition to health policy and ethics collections.”
— Choice

“This book is a down to earth, accessible translation of complex legal, sociological, and ethical subjects and as such will appeal to undergraduate and post-graduate students of dementia, practitioners, and policy makers alike.” 
— Kate Irving, Dublin City University