Embracing Touch in Dementia Care

Foreword. Introduction. 1. Models of Care and Cultures of Touch. 2. Talking About Touch in Care. 3. The Experience of Touch and a Cognitive Impairment. 4. A Sense of Touch and the Experience of Attachment. 5. Touch, Confusion and Uncertainty. 6. Non Verbal Consent to Touch. 7. Touch, Emotional Needs and Personhood. 8. Touch, Relationships and Intimacy. 9. Touch in Care Tasks. 10. Resistance to Touch in Care Tasks. 11. Erotic Touch and Sexual Intimacy. 12. Touching Stuff. Conclusion. Appendices.

Embracing Touch in Dementia Care challenges the reader to explore their current practice, thoughts, and feelings about the experience of touch and relationships in dementia caregiving. This book isn't just about when and where it is appropriate to offer someone receiving care a hug. Readers are encouraged and supported with practical examples and exercises they can use with their colleagues, to explore the wide variety and symbolism of the types of touch we experience daily as human beings, and its relevance and importance to our wellbeing and sense of self. [...] This book will be referred to and revisited by readers as they develop their skills and understanding.