What is Person-centred Dementia Care?
Person-centred dementia care is a holistic, compassionate, people-first approach to supporting people with dementia that focuses on people’s unique abilities, needs and preferences. Through this approach, the person is always put first and remains at the centre of care rather than focusing only on the condition and the symptoms. It focuses on personalised care and supporting people to live as independently as possible.
This approach was initially developed by Professor Thomas Kitwood in 1980 in the UK, and it has gained massive recognition and acceptance worldwide since then. The person-centred approach recognises that people with dementia are still unique individuals with specific life experiences, values and personalities. At its core, person-centred care focuses on the person and helping them feel seen and heard. It supports quality of life and dignity for people with dementia and their loved ones.
Importance of Person-centred Dementia Care
Person-centred dementia care is crucial as it acknowledges the needs and values of every person with dementia. Understanding the choices and preferences of every person allows for a smoother, personalised approach to dementia care as it promotes empowerment and overall well-being.
Studies show that person-centered dementia care can lead to a decrease in behaviours that challenge as well as behavioural and psychological symptoms, eliminating the need for unnecessary hospital admissions and improving mental health. By responding to the specific needs of every individual, person-centred care can enhance the quality of life by offering personalised and compassionate care, often at home, in a familiar environment surrounded by family members.
This people-focused approach prioritises the uniqueness of every person and encourages people to make their own choices and decisions. By adopting this approach, people with dementia can receive proper care that values their identity, dignity and self-worth.
Key Principles of Person-centred Approach for Dementia
Many researchers have analysed the common aspects and models of person-centred dementia care and have identified various definitions, principles and values. They have determined that the key principles of person-centred care include holistic care, respect and dignity, individual value and choice, self-determination, and purposeful living. This highlights the shift in focus towards fostering personal choice, dignity, and autonomy.
Respecting People’s Autonomy and Dignity
Respecting people’s dignity and autonomy is one of the main principles of person-centred care. It involves recognising people’s dignity regardless of their background, health and abilities. Treating people with dignity means showing compassion, empathy and respect in all aspects of delivering care. It involves listening to people’s concerns and validating their feelings and emotions while keeping them involved in the choices about their care. By actively engaging people in their care, we can contribute to enhanced autonomy and create safer environments.
Recognising Personal Identity Despite Cognitive Decline
Person-centred care is a transformative approach that prioritises every person’s uniqueness and individuality. One of the fundamental principles is preserving personal identity, which remains essential despite cognitive decline. This involves understanding people’s background, history, preferences and unique characteristics.
By emphasising the importance of personal narrative and building relationships, care providers can create a supporting and thriving environment that promotes their true sense of self. This approach also encourages caregivers to help people reinforce their identity by maintaining connections to their past.
Focusing on Strengths and Abilities Rather Than Deficits
Focusing on strengths and abilities instead of deficits is one of the fundamental principles of person-centered care. This approach outlines the importance of seeing people as a whole rather than as patients defined by a condition. By recognising the strengths and capabilities of every person, caregivers can create an empowering and positive environment.
For example, engaging people in activities that align with their abilities can promote a sense of accomplishment and reinforce their capabilities. This also aligns with a strengths-based approach that encourages caregivers to tailor care plans according to every person’s unique strengths and skills.
Tailoring Care to Individual Needs
Tailoring care to people’s unique needs, especially for people with dementia, is essential for enhancing their quality of life and ensuring that their needs are respected and fulfilled. This approach starts with a comprehensive understanding of the person’s needs, interests and personality and engaging in meaningful conversations with the person and their family. This way, caregivers can gather information to help them create personalised care plans.
It is essential to adapt care plans as dementia progresses, as every stage presents different challenges and requires caregivers to be flexible. For instance, in later stages, challenging behaviors might increase, impacting daily living and safety. By continuously assessing and adjusting the care plans according to the person’s changing needs, caregivers can promote dignity and autonomy and enhance the care experience.
Improved Quality of Life
Improved quality of life is a cornerstone of person-centred care for people with dementia, fundamentally reshaping how care is delivered. This approach focuses on recognising and addressing each person’s unique needs, preferences, and strengths rather than solely managing their symptoms. By tailoring care to the individual, caregivers can create environments that foster meaningful engagement and promote overall well-being. Activities that resonate with a person’s interests, such as listening to music from their youth, participating in familiar hobbies, or engaging in social interactions, can significantly enhance their mood and cognitive function.
This enriches their daily experiences and instils a sense of purpose, helping them feel valued and understood. Additionally, person-centred care emphasises the importance of emotional and psychological support, which is crucial for improving quality of life. Caregivers are encouraged to build trusting relationships, facilitating open communication and emotional expression. This relational approach creates a safe space where people can share their feelings and preferences, leading to personalised care that respects their dignity and autonomy.
Practical Applications of Person-centred Dementia Care
The practical applications of person-centred dementia care represent a transformative shift in delivering care. This approach emphasises the importance of understanding each person’s unique life history, preferences, and strengths, which allows caregivers to create tailored care plans that enhance their quality of life.
By prioritising individual needs and fostering meaningful relationships, person-centred care not only improves emotional and psychological well-being but also empowers people to maintain their identity and dignity throughout their care journey. There are various strategies and techniques that caregivers and healthcare professionals can implement to effectively practice person-centred care, profoundly impacting people living with dementia and their families.
Adapting the Environment
Paying attention to environmental needs is essential to person-centred care as it emphasises the importance of creating a safe and comfortable environment. Physical surroundings are important in people’s overall well-being and can impact both physical and mental health. Caregivers must assess people’s environmental needs and make necessary adaptations, including mobility aids, safer flooring, and labelling. This is part of person-centred planning and should be adapted as people’s needs change.
Engaging in Meaningful Activities
Engaging in meaningful activities is a vital component of person-centred dementia care, significantly enhancing emotional and cognitive well-being. These activities are tailored to align with the person’s interests, abilities, and life history, fostering a sense of purpose and connection. For instance, incorporating hobbies such as gardening, painting, or playing music can stimulate cognitive function and evoke positive memories, ultimately improving mood and reducing feelings of isolation. Participating in activities that hold personal significance makes people more likely to engage actively and enjoy their time, leading to greater accomplishment and fulfilment.
Moreover, meaningful activities also promote social interaction, which is crucial for combating the loneliness often experienced by people with dementia. Group activities, such as exercise classes, storytelling sessions, or cooking together, encourage socialisation and build community. This strengthens relationships with family, caregivers and peers and supports cognitive engagement through shared experiences. By fostering an environment where people feel valued and included, person-centred care emphasises the importance of meaningful activities to enhance the quality of life, promote autonomy, and maintain a sense of identity.
Providing Emotional Support
Providing emotional support is critical to person-centred dementia care, as it addresses psychological and emotional needs. Dementia often leads to feelings of confusion, anxiety, and isolation, making it essential for caregivers to create a compassionate and understanding environment. Caregivers can help alleviate distress and foster a sense of security by actively listening and validating feelings. This emotional connection enhances well-being, promotes trust, and strengthens relationships.
Additionally, emotional support can be tailored to needs and preferences. For example, some people may find comfort in one-on-one conversations, while others might benefit from group activities encouraging social interaction. Caregivers can also provide reassurance and comfort during moments of confusion or agitation, using calming techniques such as gentle touch, familiar music, or soothing words. Encouraging the expression of feelings and emotions is paramount, as it allows people to communicate their needs and experiences, facilitating a more personalised approach to care.
Person-centred Care with Unique Community Services
At Unique Community Services, person-centred care is the foundation of our support. We are committed to delivering bespoke and humanised care through our highly trained support workers, nurses, and in-house multidisciplinary team, who prioritise people’s unique needs and preferences.
If you are looking for a dedicated care provider that always puts people first, contact us today or visit our offices in Manchester, Bristol and Leeds. We focus on using a holistic approach will enable an improved view of the person’s spiritual, emotional, physical and social needs.
