Developing an inclusive approach to dementia care

This paper critically examines the trend within dementia care to focus either on people with dementia or their informal carer. Attention is given to the alliances and collusions that may develop within triads comprising people with dementia, their carers and dementia care practitioners and the implications for this upon the distribution of power. The paper outlines an inclusive model of dementia care in which the needs of the person with dementia, family carers and the dementia care practitioner are understood in terms of inclusion. In addition, the paper shows how the model may be used to enhance practice in dementia care, particularly how practitioners can ensure that both people with dementia and their carers are included within decision making processes. The role of supervision is noted as a way that dementia care practitioners may gain worthwhile insights into the alliances and collusions that can impede practice within dementia care.