Storytelling as a model of conversation for people with dementia and caregivers
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Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Deborah I Fels1, Arlene J Astell
1Ted Rogers School of Information Technology Management, University of Ryerson, Toronto, ON, Canada. dfels@ryerson.ca
Abstract:
Storytelling is an important method of communication at all stages of life. Sharing narratives about lived events and experiences provides topics of conversation and opportunities for connecting with other people. In this article, we apply a conventional model of storytelling to the verbal reminiscences of older people with a dementia diagnosis. Their stories retain the conventional structure, suggesting that storytelling, which is an enjoyable and engaging social activity, can provide a conversation model for people with dementia.
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