Much research has been conducted on the relationship between recovery orientation and people diagnosed with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and mood disorders. A recovery-oriented approach by mental health professionals can reduce hospital stays and medical costs for people diagnosed with mental illness. There are similarities and differences between recovery-oriented approaches for individuals diagnosed with dementia and those diagnosed with mental illness. This reflects the characteristics of irreversible dementia. Although dementia courses at recovery colleges are increasing, dementia recovery is in its infancy and course content varies. The core of the recovery framework for individuals diagnosed with dementia is ‘Continue to be me’. Recovery-oriented approaches and programmes have been developed by mental health workers for older adults, including those with dementia, but there are no outcome measures that reflect the characteristics of dementia care. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.