Health Sciences

School of Public Health

Higher Degree Research Students/Alumni Profiles

Dr Heather Hill

PhD Thesis, completed in 2004

Taking the talk, but not walking the walk: Barriers to person-centred care in dementia

The concept of person-centred care has become well known in the field of dementia, yet aged care facilities still seem to struggle with its actual implementation. The aim of this doctoral research was to identify barriers to person-centred practice, by studying the experience of one ethno-specific aged care facility as it set up a new program for its residents with dementia.Three major types of barrier were identified: procedural barriers within the institution itself; (government) policy; and barriers relating to hegemonic values and beliefs which underpin established health care practice. All of these must be addressed. Finally, the focus on professional service provision in dementia is questioned. It is suggested that in order to be truly person-centred, we need to move towards a more community based or public health approach which recognizes the need of all persons to be treated both as significant individuals and accepted as part of a community.

Heather Hill shares her graduation experience ...

"The graduation, on May 30th 2005, was a wonderful event - my parents came over from New Zealand to attend, which made it extra special. I realised how important it is to have these rituals as a way of bringing to a conclusion this long journey and allowing one to indulge in the glory of it (ever so briefly!!). I'm still not sure what to put on my label (!), but am enjoying doing some work with intellectually disabled people three days a week and teaching dance therapy students at RMIT and creative arts therapies masters students at a private institute, plus trying to negotiate the body and embodiment into a mental health service, writing a book chapter, speaking at conferences.... Maybe I just have to wear multiple labels!"