Physiotherapists as Advocates for Individuals Living With Dementia

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Introduction

Dementia is a global health priority, affecting populations worldwide (WHO 2015). Health care issues, including dementia, are taking center stage in both political and media discussions, and health professionals, including physiotherapists, must be ready to participate in these discussions with confidence and influence. The Scottish Government’s Proposal for Scotland’s National Dementia Strategy 2016-19, states the need for continued support to improve all areas of dementia care, at all stages of the condition. It is crucial that individuals with dementia receive the care and services they require and are not disempowered or discriminated against due to their condition. The Proposal for Scotland’s National Dementia Strategy 2016-19 also prioritizes “enhancing a multi-disciplinary approach to care at home, including the promotion of the therapeutic and enabling role of AHPs for people with dementia” (pg. 7). By taking on the role of advocate and tackling key issues related to dementia and dementia care, physiotherapists can ensure the rights of every individual are being upheld, that each person is receiving the best possible care, and that no individual living with dementia is victimized or discriminated against.
In Scotland there are almost no courses on developing the skills needed for advocacy, with the few available being continuing education diplomas and certificates in Independent and Mental Capacity Advocacy (City and Guilds). Advocacy is not directly included in professional qualification courses and there are few books available on the subject, further indicating the need for this wiki.

Target Audience

This is a learning resource for practicing physiotherapists and physiotherapy students to give them the tools necessary to act as advocates for individuals living with dementia.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this wiki, you should: 1. Critically identify the need for advocacy on behalf of people living with dementia 2. Critically discuss the potential attitudes and perceptions of health-care professionals and the general population towards individuals living with dementia 3. Be able to critically evaluate the role of physiotherapist as advocate for individuals living with dementia 4. Be able to reflect on personal experiences of providing physiotherapy to vulnerable populations and identify opportunities for advocacy.

Recent Related Research (from <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/">Pubmed</a>)

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