The Enduring Self in People with Alzheimer's
Author: Sam Fazio
Publisher: Health Professions Press
Paperback:
ISBN 10: 1932529381
ISBN 13: 978-1932529388
Despite the frequent characterization of Alzheimer's disease as a "loss of self," this enlightening book demonstrates unequivocally that a person's unique self persists throughout the course of the disease. The important message in The Enduring Self in People with Alzheimer's is how much can be done in care settings to support a person's sense of identity, and thereby enrich the lives of people experiencing the many losses associated with dementia. Drawing from a diverse body of research in multiple disciplines, the book brings together the recommendations of the best thinkers and practitioners to illustrate the meaning of self and the importance of providing dementia care that recognizes and supports personhood. Translating research into practice, the author provides strategies for restructuring the physical and social environment to facilitate person-centered care. Administrators and staff will also learn how to reframe communication and interactions to build more meaningful relationships with people with Alzheimer's. Provocative discussion topics at the end of each chapter and a detailed case study can be used in staff training to encourage the changes in attitude and practice that will make care strategies more person-centered. The resource also provides an action plan for applying this individualized care philosophy at an organizational level. Appropriate for all settings providing Alzheimer's care, The Enduring Self in People with Alzheimer's is a vital tool for ensuring personhood is maintained and respected throughout the course of the disease.
Review
"Anyone who wants to understand this [person-centered care] movement or implement it will benefit from The Enduring Self." (Metapsychology Online Reviews Reviews 2001-01-01)
"[This book] provides a sound overview of the key influences on issues of identity, self, and relationships in providing person-centered care in the context of living with Alzheimer's disease. The self-reflection exercises at the end of each chapter help us all to reflect on the lessons here and to integrate it with our own experience whatever our background. I will recommend this book to many people." (Bradford Dementia Group, University of Bradford, UK Reviews 2001-01-01)
"The Enduring Self in People with Alzheimer’s succeeds in its goal of proving that Alzheimer’s disease does not result in the ‘loss of self’ …[the book] provides a comprehensive analysis of the research and clinical literature about the self in Alzheimer’s and the effect of the perceptions, attitudes, actions of people who interact with the person with Alzheimer’s on that person’s ability to express and communicate his or her self." (Alzheimer's Association Reviews 2001-01-01)
"Carrying the torch of Kitwood and others, Sam Fazio has crafted a humanistic and empowering framework for preserving the aging self in dementia. Full of theoretical information, practical techniques for supporting and maintaining personhood, and reflective exercises that engage the moral imagination, The Enduring Self in People with Alzheimer’s is a manual for both scholars and caregivers alike. Fazio urges us to de-medicalize dementia, reevaluate the constrictive language and categories we use to define brain aging--including the scientifically imprecise and socially-damaging label of Alzheimer's disease--and ultimately, to do all we can to preserve the dignity and selfhood of those who are growing older around us and amongst us. It is an outstanding contribution to a growing literature that will change the way we age in the 21st century." (and Danny George, M.Sc., authors of The Myth of Alzheimer's: What You Aren't Being Told About Today's Most Dreaded Diagnosis Reviews 2001-01-01)
"In his book, Sam Fazio takes us to the deep roots of the importance of the self, especially in persons with dementia, and lays the foundation as to the why of person-centered care. He helps us make sense of our daily encounters that are relational in nature and honors the evolving self of each person. This book will help move us to better and better care practices in our journeys with persons with dementia." (Reviews 2001-01-01)
About the Author
Sam Fazio, Ph.D., has a doctorate in Developmental Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. He has worked for the Alzheimer's Association National Headquarters since 1994 in a variety of areas including Education and Training and Program Services. He currently works as Director of Medical and Scientific Relations where he oversees the international research conferences, scientific journal, and social/behavioral research initiatives. Sam also is involved in several research projects with older adults in the Chicagoland area related to the persistence of self, person-centered care, and health and wellness. Prior to working for the Association, Sam worked for Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center at the Alzheimer's Family Care Center-an adult day center specifically designed for people with dementia. Sam has worked in the field of aging since 1987 and has a broad range of experience including leadership and management, working with older adults and families, and direct care. He has presented both nationally and internationally, as well as published several journal articles and book chapters. Sam is also the co-author of the book Rethinking Alzheimer's Care.
