Whose reality is foremost? 

In the Tom Kitwood Memorial session at the UK Dementia Congress (Coventry, 26 November 2024) we were reminded of Tom’s words: “He didn’t talk about truth and lies but about genuineness and treachery – emphasising that it is the intent that matters.”  

Jane Murray, an experienced nurse and assistant professor at the University of Northumbria, gave a presentation “Whose reality is foremost? Can lying be used to support personhood?” to stimulate a wide-ranging panel and audience discussion.  

She concluded with key messages:  

  • Be genuine  
  • Validate the recipient’s emotions 
  • Do it for the right reasons. 

You can hear Jane talking on this subject in our 21 May 2024 webinar – ‘Can lie telling be used to support personhood?’