1. Enhancing Well-Being: Bridging the Gap between Philosophy and Reality G. Allen Power, MD, FACP Rochester, New York, USA 17 April 2015

2. The “Gap” In two decades since Tom Kitwood released his seminal work, Dementia Reconsidered, there have been hundreds of books, papers, and seminars dedicated to “person-centred” approaches to dementia and many outgrowths thereof. And yet… This philosophy continues to fall far short of reality for many, if not most people living with dementia today.

3. Bridging the Gap Four “aspirations” to provide a starting point…

4. Aspiration #1: “We will focus on wellness, not simply on illness.”

5. Aspiration #2: “We will strive to avoid using stigma and fear to advance our cause.” Corollary: “We will watch our language!”

6. Aspiration #3: “We will make significant operational shifts to foster well-being in all living environments.”

7. Aspiration #4: We will shift from being “friendly” to being “inclusive”!

8. Dr. Richard Taylor “I believe that as people progress with dementia, their humanity increases.”

9. Aspiration #1: “We will focus on wellness, not simply on illness.”

10. Thank you! DrAlPower@gmail.com www.alpower.net