Understanding the Core Philosophy
Developed by psychologist Tom Kitwood, person-centred care is based on the idea of 'personhood'. This concept emphasizes that a person's worth and status are not diminished by dementia. It represents a fundamental shift from traditional, task-oriented care by focusing on the emotional and social needs of the individual, alongside their physical and medical requirements. This approach aims to uphold their dignity and self-worth.
The Four Pillars of Person-Centred Care
- Valuing the individual: Recognizing and respecting each person's unique history, experiences, and values [1].
- Seeing from their perspective: Validating feelings and trying to understand the world from the individual's point of view [1].
- Creating a supportive environment: Tailoring physical and social surroundings to be familiar, safe, and stimulating [1].
- Focusing on strengths: Highlighting and nurturing the individual's remaining skills and interests [1].
Traditional vs. Person-Centred Care
A comparison between traditional and person-centred care approaches in dementia care is provided below:
| Aspect | Traditional Care | Person-Centred Care |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Managing symptoms and controlling behavior. | Enhancing personhood, dignity, and well-being. [1] |
| Individual Recognition | Sees the person as a 'dementia patient' with a set of deficits. | Sees the person with a unique history, personality, and emotions. [1] |
| Daily Routine | Rigid, one-size-fits-all schedules. | Flexible schedules adapted to the individual's preferences. [1] |
| Communication | Often task-oriented and authoritative. | Empathetic and validating. [1] |
| Environment | Clinical and institutional. | Personalised with familiar items. [1] |
| Activities | Group activities. | Personalized activities based on a person's past interests and remaining abilities. [1] |
Practical Strategies for Implementation
Practical strategies for implementing person-centred care include:
- Life Story Work: Compiling a personal history to understand the individual's life journey [1].
- Personalized Activities: Offering activities tailored to past interests to foster purpose [1].
- Flexible Routines: Allowing choices in daily activities to maintain a sense of control [1].
- Emotional Validation: Responding with empathy to confusion or distress [1].
- Effective Communication: Utilizing non-verbal cues like touch and tone of voice [1].
The Benefits of a Person-Centred Approach
Implementing person-centred care significantly improves the quality of life for individuals with dementia, leading to reduced distress, anxiety, and agitation [1]. It helps maintain self-esteem and dignity by acknowledging their personhood [1]. For families and caregivers, it strengthens relationships and reduces burden by providing a framework for compassionate, personalized care [1].
The Role of Families and Professional Training
Family members are crucial in providing insights into the individual's life history and preferences [1]. Specialized training equips professionals to interpret behavior, adapt environments, and build respectful relationships [1]. For more information on the principles of person-centred care, the {Link: Alzheimer's Society https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/treatments/person-centred-care} is an excellent resource.
Conclusion
Person-centred care is a humane and effective model that prioritizes the individual's identity over their diagnosis [1]. By using individualized strategies, creating supportive environments, and focusing on strengths, it empowers people with dementia to live with dignity and purpose, enriching relationships with caregivers and family [1]. This approach ensures the person remains central to their care journey [1].
