Life stories as a tool for preserving autonomy and dignity in people with dementia
Authors:
Lenka Horáková; Rastislav Ostříž; Iva Holmerová
Authors‘ workplace:
Fakulta humanitních studií UK v Praze
Published in:
Čas. Lék. čes. 2026; 165: 156-158
Category:
Review Article
Overview
The life story represents a useful tool that enables people living with dementia to better preserve their identity and sense of continuity, that is, the connection between who they were and who they still are. At the same time, they provide care providers with a deeper understanding of the needs and values of people with dementia and enable the provision of care that is truly individualized, sensitive, and respectful. In practice, information from life stories is used as a valuable source of knowledge for care planning. However, this approach raises several ethical questions. Who has the right to tell the story? Who decides on its form and content? The aim of this article is therefore to reflect on the aspects of working with life stories in relation to the dignity and autonomy of people with dementia.
Keywords:
dementia – autonomy – dignity – life story
Sources
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Addictology Allergology and clinical immunology Angiology Audiology Clinical biochemistry Dermatology & STDs Paediatric gastroenterology Paediatric surgery Paediatric cardiology Paediatric neurology Paediatric ENT Paediatric psychiatry Paediatric rheumatology Diabetology Pharmacy Vascular surgery Pain management Dental HygienistArticle was published in
Journal of Czech Physicians
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