Published by Springer - Latest Edition 2025
Enabling People with Dementia: Understanding and Implementing Person-Centred Care.
The definitive guide by Pat Hobson - now in its latest edition. Published by Springer, this book challenges perceptions, beliefs and attitudes in dementia care by drawing on the theory of person-centred care.
60
Years Combined Experience
600+
Organisations Supported
19,700+
Professionals Trained
44,200+
People Positively Impacted
Publisher: Springer Cham
Author: Pat Hobson
Edition: Latest Edition (2025)
Chapters: 15
Format: eBook (EPUB/PDF) & Softcover
ISBN: 978-3-032-03137-2
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-03137-2
About the publication
A Book That Challenges How We Think About Dementia Care
This updated edition draws on the theory of person-centred care to challenge the perceptions, beliefs and attitudes of professionals working in dementia care settings. It demonstrates the importance of interacting with and caring for people with dementia, and stresses the need to consider the world from the perspective of people living with the condition.
New chapters in this edition address the management of end-stage dementia and end-of-life care - underscoring the importance of advanced care decisions, planning, psychosocial and spiritual support. Further additions help professionals manage distress and changes in behaviour, as well as common symptoms associated with end of life in dementia.
The book examines dementia care environments, positive interactions, meaningful activities and the concept of personhood - demonstrating how each contributes to improving the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia. It gives voice to carers by sharing their experiences, and underscores that the focus of care should always be on maximising the person's abilities, enabling them, and promoting person-centred practice.
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Accesses across editions
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Academic citations
15
Chapters
Key topics covered
What This Book Addresses
Background to person-centred care theory
Dementia care globally - prevalence, policy and practice
Health inequalities and dementia
Safeguarding within dementia care
Malignant Social Psychology - behaviours that threaten dignity
Positive Person Work - behaviours that promote dignity
Person-centred models in dementia
Experiences of the person living with dementia
Different stages and types of dementia
Implementing person-centred communication
Managing behaviours that challenge
Designing environments that enable
Maintaining meaningful activities
Understanding reablement and the important role of caregivers
Management of end-stage dementia and end-of-life care
Why this book matters
Essential Reading for Health and Social Care Professionals
Dementia care is too often shaped by assumptions rather than evidence. This book provides a synthesis of the main theories on dementia and demonstrates, using Kitwood's theory on Malignant Social Psychology and Positive Person Work, how everyday behaviours can erode or promote dignity in working with people living with dementia.
For health and social care professionals - whether in clinical practice, management, education or governance - this book offers a resource that can be read and understood by anyone committed to improving the quality of dementia care. It is not a theoretical textbook. It is a practical guide written by a practitioner who has spent decades solving the problems it addresses.
Who this book is written for
For Professionals, Families and Carers Alike
Family carers and loved ones supporting someone living with dementia
Registered managers, nursing staff and care home leaders
Health and social care professionals working in dementia care settings
Practitioners seeking deeper understanding of person-centred models and theory
Anyone wanting to understand dementia through the lived experience of the person
Commissioners and strategic leaders responsible for dementia service quality
What readers will gain
Practical Knowledge That Changes How You See Dementia
Challenge your perceptions, beliefs and attitudes towards people with dementia using Kitwood's theory
Understand how everyday behaviours can erode or promote dignity through Malignant Social Psychology and Positive Person Work
Implement person-centred communication strategies that maintain meaningful connection
Respond to behaviours that challenge with evidence-based, compassionate approaches
Design care environments that enable rather than disable people with dementia
Support carers and families through reablement and end-of-life care
"This is not a textbook. It is a conversation - the kind I have had thousands of times with families, carers and professionals who want to understand what dementia actually means for the person living it."
Pat Hobson
Director & Lead Safeguarding Consultant
Grounded in PMH frameworks
Built on the Same Methodology Used Across the NHS
Every chapter draws on the proprietary frameworks PMH has developed through decades of practice - the same methodology used to transform dementia care in organisations across the country.
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About the author
Pat Hobson - Independent Nurse Consultant and Published Author
Pat Hobson is an Independent Nurse Consultant, dual qualified in both mental health and general nursing. She holds an MSc in Gerontology, a Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice, a Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Governance, Clinical Leadership and Change Management, and a BSc (Hons) in Nursing.
Pat's professional journey in dementia care began in 1994 - a commitment that has shaped her career and influenced practice across the health and social care sectors. She has developed innovative models and care pathways across dementia, safeguarding and complex case management. Her contributions extend beyond service delivery; she has worked across public, private and charitable sectors, providing strategic and governance-level support as well as operational and frontline leadership.
As co-founder and Director of PMH Consultancy and Education, Pat is recognised as a national expert whose proprietary frameworks - including Unique Life, Unique World™, Brain Journey™ and Behaviours that Challenge™ - are used across NHS Trusts, care providers and local authorities. This book draws directly on those methodologies.
Read Pat's full profileContinue exploring
Related PMH Services
Dementia Care Consultancy
Specialist consultancy to transform dementia care practice across your organisation.
ExploreDementia Pathway
The Unique Life, Unique World™ framework for person-centred dementia practice.
ExplorePMH Academy
CPD dementia education grounded in PMH practice frameworks (accreditation pending submission).
ExploreCaregiver Hub
Free resources for families and carers supporting someone living with dementia.
ExploreAvailable from Springer
Enabling People with Dementia - Latest Edition Available Now
Available as eBook (EPUB & PDF) and softcover. Published by Springer Cham. Written for health and social care professionals, families and carers.