Dementia at the End of Life and Family Partners: A Symbolic Interactionist Perspective on Communication
Date
2017-07
Authors
Johnson, Christopher
Kelch, Jordan
Johnson, Roxanna
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Abstract
People with dementia are not dying; they are experiencing changes in the brain. This paper utilizes a symbolic interaction theoretical perspective to outline communicative alternatives to polypharmacy. There is a growing interest in sociological interventions to untangle the "disordered discourses" associated with dementia. Such practices challenge common stigmas attached to dementia as an "ongoing funeral" or "death certificate." Changing the expectations, attitudes and communication patterns of family care partners can positively impact them and the person living with dementia at the end of life. This paper delineates multiple non-verbal communication interventions (e.g., the trip back in time, dementia citizenship and sensory engagement modalities) to explore techniques to engage persons with advanced dementia.
Description
Keywords
end of life, family care partners, persons living with dementia, symbolic interaction, communication, Sociology
Citation
Johnson, C., Kelch, J., & Johnson, R. (2017). Dementia at the end of life and family partners: A symbolic interactionist perspective on communication. Behavioral Sciences, 7(3): 42.
Rights
Rights Holder
© 2017 The Authors.
Rights License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.