The review of my book “Living well with dementia” today in Nursing Times

What was it like?

A meaty 300 plus pages book that attempt to cover all aspects of the dementia experience and it succeeds. It looks at the concept of living well what it is, how to measure it and how to develop services and attitudes to incorporate it. The book is up to date and relevant and has excellent sources and references. There are parts that can act as an instruction manual for good practice such as the suggestions about dealing with consent in chapter 11. A definite “cut out and keep” piece. Probably the most useful book I have read this year.

What were the highlights? 

It covers everything you are likely to encounter in an accessible and informative way. It is nice to see some comments on ward design rather than purely care home as is more common.

My favourite part was in the conclusion where the author says “…writing a book on wellbeing in dementia is an impossible task.” I believe that may be the only part where she is wrong as this book is fabulous.

Strengths & weaknesses:

An enormous amount of information presented well and user friendly. I was worried it may have been too academic but it was not. It has good references and I particularly liked the way it attempted to integrate the whole idea and encouraged the use of other sources.

Who should read it?

This book should be essential reading for anybody with any contact with people living with dementia, which realistically I suppose means everybody. It can help towards a better understanding not only of dementia but the ways that peoples’ lives can be improved and enriched with a little effort and knowledge.