187 A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION OF PLACE AND PERSONHOOD IN DEMENTIA

Abstract

Abstract Background In dementia research, supporting personhood is seen as a corner stone of person-centred care. However, little is understood about how personhood is conceptualised in the context of the home and communities that people living with dementia reside within, and how place may constitute a key dimension of, or a determining factor of someone’s sense of self. This study seeks to explore these relationships by examining the intersection between place and personhood through the lens of Rowles (1983) work on place and personal identity in old age. Methods Qualitative secondary analysis of datasets from two separate studies was conducted. The first study examined the perspectives of people living with dementia on place across the life course, while the second study examined the perspectives of people living with dementia on personhood in formal care. In total, 15 interviews with people with dementia were analysed using theoretical framework analysis. Results Participants reflected on the meaning of place, and its iterative relationship with personhood across the life course. They used the residential life course, to convey and narrate their life story, locating themselves and major events in time and place. Participants also spoke about the impact of the physical environment on their sense of personhood, conceptualising personhood in relation to attachment to the physical landscape, location and their own homes. Finally, participants referred to the close link between place, relationships, and community. In particular, how important feelings of community and belonging to place are to their sense of personhood. Conclusion This research shows the role of place in interpreting understandings of personhood from the perspectives of people living with dementia. This is critical for understanding the nature and orientation of community-based interventions, and designing supports and services which appropriately harness place-based relationships of people living with dementia.