What is person-centred dementia care?
Person-centred dementia care is a compassionate approach to caring for individuals with dementia that focuses on their unique needs, preferences, and abilities. It puts the person at the centre of their care, rather than the disease, and strives to support them in living as independently and meaningfully as possible.
The person-centred approach was developed by Professor Thomas Kitwood in the 1980s in the UK. It has since gained widespread recognition and praise worldwide. It recognises that people living with dementia are unique individuals with their own life experiences, personalities, and values. By valuing each person as the unique individual they are, person-centred dementia care promotes well-being and dignity.
At its heart, person-centred care is really about focusing on the person rather than the condition. It allows people living with dementia to feel seen and heard, which promotes dignity and enhances quality of life for both the person with dementia and their loved ones.
Why is person-centred care important?
Person-centred care is essential for dementia because it acknowledges the unique needs, preferences, and values of each individual living with the condition. Valuing the choices and preferences of each individual allows for a personalised approach to dementia care, promoting a sense of empowerment and improving overall well-being.
Studies have shown that person-centred care can lead to a reduction in behaviours that challenge, improve mental health and reduce the need for hospital treatment and antipsychotic medication. By recognising and responding to the individual’s specific needs and desires, person-centred care can help prevent behaviours that challenge and improve quality of life.
When care is not person-centred, it tends to focus more on completing tasks and following routines. This can lead to the person receiving care feeling like they have little choice and autonomy when it comes to their daily life.
Person-centred care prioritises the individuality of each person and encourages their autonomy and choices. By adopting this approach, people with dementia can receive care that respects their identity and preferences, which in turn helps them maintain their sense of dignity and self-worth.
Why is person-centred care important?
Person-centred care is essential for dementia because it acknowledges the unique needs, preferences, and values of each individual living with the condition. Valuing the choices and preferences of each individual allows for a personalised approach to dementia care, promoting a sense of empowerment and improving overall well-being.
Studies have shown that person-centred care can lead to a reduction in behaviours that challenge, improve mental health and reduce the need for hospital treatment and antipsychotic medication. By recognising and responding to the individual’s specific needs and desires, person-centred care can help prevent behaviours that challenge and improve quality of life.
When care is not person-centred, it tends to focus more on completing tasks and following routines. This can lead to the person receiving care feeling like they have little choice and autonomy when it comes to their daily life.
Person-centred care prioritises the individuality of each person and encourages their autonomy and choices. By adopting this approach, people with dementia can receive care that respects their identity and preferences, which in turn helps them maintain their sense of dignity and self-worth.
How we provide person-centred care and support
At The Good Care Group, we take a person-centred approach to dementia care that puts the individual’s needs and desires first. Here are some examples of how we apply a person-centred approach to the dementia care we provide:
- We take the time to get to know our clients’ history, interests, hobbies, and preferences in everything from food to music, so we can tailor our care to their unique needs.
- We strive to look at the world from our clients’ point of view, understanding their perspective and empathising with their experience.
- We use communication techniques that respect each individual’s dignity and help them feel heard and understood, even as their communication abilities change.
- We encourage our clients to try new things and set and achieve personal goals.
- We give our clients a choice of food at mealtimes, either by asking what they would like or showing them pictures to help them make a decision. When possible, we offer them something they have always enjoyed and would choose to make themselves.
- We recognise that little things can mean a lot to our clients. We help them maintain a sense of control over their lives by allowing them to make as many choices for themselves as they are willing and able to.
At The Good Care Group, we are committed to providing person-centred care for those with dementia, ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect.
Contact us today to learn more about our award-winning dementia care at home.
