Dementia Care Mapping: A useful method for social work?

Abstract

This paper discusses the usefulness of Dementia Care Mapping, with specific reference to social workers interested in evaluating dementia care and/or ascertaining the well-being of individuals with dementia. The rise in the method's popularity in the last decade is outlined with reference to contemporary developments in the dementia care field. The mechanics of the method are briefly discussed with suggestions as to how the tool may be beneficial to social work practice. The paper concludes with a critical appraisal of the potential use of the method.