Proposing a person-centred approach for understanding the affective nature of new media in care contexts

• In Event: Caring across Borders: Materiality and Belonging in Transnational Families II

Abstract

The need to care for people in a way that is person-centred is commonly promoted in the contexts of health, ageing and welfare. Person-centredness is often described from the perspective of the carers which creates problems in terms of how we understand the experiences of those for whom care is ‘designed’ or directed. Though there is much discourse which espouses person-centredness as a theoretical concept, there is limited guidance which supports translating this theory into relational practice and real-life contexts.

This paper will present an experiential model and social constructionist grounded theory developed through research which focused on the unique perspectives of people diagnosed with early stage dementia. The relational processes for sharing and co-creating personal artefacts were analysed to understand their meaning and significance to the person.

I will propose that this experiential model creates a useful tool for understanding the affective nature of new media in relationship to people and the material world. And, that the ability to ascribe meaning to these types of social activities supports a person-centred approach for the design of care contexts.

Author

• Joanne Mihelcic, RMIT University