Abstract
This article outlines a phenomenological study that used video-recorded life story work with ten older people who had dementia diagnoses. The aim of the study was to understand what it is like to live with dementia.
Using life story work allowed me to understand how the individual’s past experiences have shaped their current experiences of living with dementia. While these past experiences were unique to each participant, their stories about life with dementia shared many similarities. Namely, experiencing a change in their identity, displaying resilient traits, wanting to be accepted as a “person with dementia,” and feeling isolated as their condition deteriorates.
Capturing their stories in video format allowed me to gift copies of their life story back to the participants, which they can use in care plans or as keepsakes.
Recommended Citation
Walker, Alex
(2024)
"Understanding Life with Dementia through Life Story Work,"
Storytelling, Self, Society: Vol. 19:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/storytelling/vol19/iss1/2