Leading the Way in Dementia Care: Embracing the Whole Person

Abstract

Audrey Holland was a leading innovator and speech-language pathologist (SLP) in adult neurological communication disabilities for over five decades. She was a pioneer in the involvement of SLPs with people with dementia, inspiring both knowledge development and clinical practice regarding language, functional communication, and quality of life in persons living with dementia. Dr. Holland was also an extraordinary mentor who has impacted many generations of researchers and clinicians. Here, four researchers in the area of dementia and communication discuss the lessons they learned from Dr. Holland that fundamentally shaped their careers and the field of dementia and speech-language pathology. Lessons learned include the following: (1) do not be afraid to stand out when you have a novel idea that will help people; (2) look for strengths to support functional communication; (3) use communication strategies to support identity, quality of life, and self-determination in adults with acquired communication disabilities, including those with dementia; (4) shift from pathologizing to coaching; and (5) challenge the status quo. This article concludes by discussing Dr. Holland's lasting legacy.

Keywords

person-centered care - functional communication - supported communication - communication strategies - DementiaBank

Note

Ellen, Natalie, and Tammy would like to acknowledge the long-term mentorship of Michelle Bourgeois, her incredible impact on the field, and her contributions to this article. Without her, this work would not have been possible. We will miss her tremendously and know that, along with Audrey, she will also have a lasting legacy on the field of dementia care.

Disclosure Statements

E.H. receives royalties from Taylor & Francis/Routledge and Plural Publishing for two textbooks on dementia. She is a volunteer member of Advocates for Care of the Elderly and a salaried faculty member at Dalhousie University.

N.D. receives royalties from Plural Publishing for a textbook on dementia. She is a salaried faculty member at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

T.H. has no disclosures to declare.

M.B. receives royalties from Health Professions Press and Taylor & Francis for textbooks on memory books and dementia. She volunteers for the National Aphasia Association, PPA Task Force.

Publication History

Article published online:
31 July 2024

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