Risk is central to professional practice, assessment and decision-making in dementia care. Yet theories of risk are often complex and difficult to translate into everyday practice. This book outlines some of the key issues in risk perception, assessment and management in dementia care in a way that is both practical and accessible to a wide range of practitioners. It develops an approach to risk that promotes choice for people with dementia whilst also acknowledging the complex challenges care providers face. The authors provide an overview of the legislative framework currently in place, and of the ethical dilemmas which may emerge in practice. Frameworks for informed and balanced decision-making are offered, and the importance of including the person with dementia, their family, and care providers in decision-making is emphasised. Throughout the book, case studies are used to illustrate effective negotiation and practical solutions to risk dilemmas in practice. This book highlights principles of good practice for managing risk in dementia care, and presents a rounded approach that will help practitioners negotiate some of the complex issues this entails.

Foreword. Part I: Introduction. 1. Key Issues in Risk and Dementia Care. Living and risk. Living well with dementia. Our background. Principles and aims. Part II: Different Views on Risk. 2. Living with Dementia: Living with Risk. Introduction. Perceptions and differing views. Dementia care and risk in developing countries. The views of people with dementia and carers. Everyday life. Summary. 3. Working with Dementia: Working with Risk. Introduction. Risk in dementia care practice. Risk dilemmas. Legislative framework. Balancing risk assessment. Summary. Part III: Risk and Your Practice. 4. Risk Management. Introduction. The importance of process. Risk framework. Risk communication. Risk assessment and management framework. Summary. 5. Developing Practice in Risk Management in Dementia Care. Introduction. Risk in promoting quality of life. Professional development and decision making. Changing society - matters of value. Future directions. Conclusion. Appendix. References. Index.