CONTENTED DEMENTIA
24-hour wraparound care for lifelong well-being
By Oliver James. Vermilion. 286 pages. £14.99
ISBN 978-0-09-190180-6
The title seems to be an oxymoron — how can anyone possibly experience contented dementia?
Psychologist Oliver James describes a method devised by a daughter, Penny Garner, to cope with her mother’s illness. Called ‘SPECAL’ (Specialised Early Care for Alzheimer’s, but equally for all forms of dementia), it is a theory and practice that has been found to work well: the Royal College of Nursing says that dementia clients take fewer drugs and experience less distress. There is no medical cure for dementia, but the SPECAL approach induces wellbeing and makes life bearable and easier for carers and clients. It even helps to maintain the client’s unique personality, which in itself is a huge blessing for their families.
