Twigg, Julia

Dress forms part of the taken-for-granted routines that constitute everyday life, but can be dys-rupted in the context of disability-in this case, dementia. Drawing on qualitative research, this chapter situates dress practice as part of how people with dementia and family carers manage the disruption caused by dementia, focusing on the renegotiation of ideas of normality and ordinariness.

The changing role of users and carers in the care system is examined. The four main user groups are identified as those with physical disabilities, learning disabilities or mental health problems and older people. The growth of the Disabled Living Movement since the 1970s has radically altered thinking and policy, but changes in practice have been slower. Normalisation theory has dominated service development for those with learning disabilities. Difficulties in implementing a care in the community policy for mental health are discussed.