The "Gentlecare" method represents a revolutionary approach to the treatment and care of people with dementia. Elaborated and promoted by occupational therapist Moyra Jones," Gentlecare " has, as its principal purpose the creation of a program educating professionals and families on the care and support of people affected by dementia. The " Gentlecare " method is composed of various steps trying, in the first place , to identify the overall characteristics of the disease and, in the second place, to plan personalized interventions through the construction of a prosthetic environment. The prosthesis is defined by three elements, which have to support the deficit imposed by the disease and are represented by: the people , the programs and the physical space. The people , defined therapeutic agents, are those who orbit around the elderly and represent an important step in helping. The programs include everything that is realized within the time frame of the day; " Gentlecare " method divides the daily activities into: primary activities (bathing, eating), necessary activities (rest, sleep, privacy), essential activities (move, communicate), and significant activities (singing, dancing, smile). The third prosthetic element is represented by the physical space, and has as its final purpose the achievement of the highest degree of autonomy with the highest degree of safety of the elderly. The principal archetype of the environment prosthetic is the home that must be designed to re-create a safe, welcoming and friendly surrounding, constantly changing depending on the guests who live there.
It is also important to design outdoor environments through the construction of a therapeutic garden dedicated to the support of mobility and movement.
In conclusion, the prosthetic care of “Gentlecare” method attempt to promote the well-being, seen as the best functional level of autonomy in absence of stress, anxiety and fear of the sick person.
