Lying in dementia care: An example of a culture that deceives in people's best interests

Abstract

Objectives: Deceiving, bending the truth and being dishonest are all terms used for the act of lying. The use of deception in health settings has a rich cross-cultural history. In relation to dementia care, first, Deceptive practices in managing a family member with Alzheimer's disease. Symbolic Interaction, 17(1), 21–36) distinguished between four kinds of lies used by staff: ‘going along with a misperception’, ‘with-holding the truth’, ‘little white lies’ and ‘use of tricks’. This article examined the issue of deception, developing a questionnaire to investigate attitudes towards lying to people with dementia. Secondly, information on the use of lies was presented within a workshop to determine whether it would lead to attitude change. Method: This study used a two-phased design. The first phase involved developing a 16-item questionnaire. The second phase validated the use of the questionnaire through a workshop; therapists’ responses to a teaching programme were assessed. Results: The psychometric properties of the questionnaire are reported. Following the workshop, participants were found to have a more positive attitude towards the use of lies. The reasons underpinning changes in attitude are discussed. Conclusion: This study contributes to a more informed understanding regarding both the definition and use of lies. On the whole, participants developed a less generic perspective about lying, becoming more supportive of lies when used in specific situations in the best interests of the recipients.