Understanding which of the following are the values that support person-centred dementia care?

Studies indicate that a holistic and individualized approach can significantly improve the quality of life and well-being for those with a dementia diagnosis. This article explores which of the following are the values that support person-centred dementia care, detailing the core principles that empower compassionate, effective support for individuals and their families.

Quick Summary

Person-centred dementia care is built upon fundamental values such as respect, dignity, individuality, empowerment, and understanding the unique perspective of the person with dementia. It prioritizes relationships and well-being over tasks.

Key Points

• Respect and Dignity: Affirming the absolute value of every individual, regardless of their cognitive abilities or condition, is the cornerstone of person-centred care.

• Individuality and Uniqueness: Tailoring care to a person's unique life story, preferences, and personal history is crucial for maintaining their sense of self and purpose.

• Empathy and Perspective-Taking: Attempting to understand the world from the viewpoint of the person with dementia helps caregivers interpret behaviors as communication and respond with compassion.

• Positive Social Environment: Fostering meaningful relationships and a supportive atmosphere where the person feels secure and connected is vital for their emotional well-being.

• Empowerment and Choice: Encouraging the person to participate in decisions and exercise as much independence as possible helps maintain their autonomy and dignity.

• Strengths-Based Approach: Focusing on the person's remaining abilities and strengths, rather than their deficits, promotes a more positive and empowering care experience.

The VIPS Framework: A Foundation for Person-Centred Care

Person-centred care (PCC) for dementia is an approach that prioritizes understanding and supporting the individual, recognizing their intrinsic worth despite cognitive changes. The VIPS framework, developed by Professor Tom Kitwood, is a widely used model outlining core PCC values.

Valuing People with Dementia

Central to PCC is the belief in the absolute value of every individual, treating them with dignity and respect. This involves seeing the person beyond their diagnosis and honoring their history and emotions.

Providing Individualised Care

PCC acknowledges that each person with dementia is unique. Care is tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and life story. Learning about their background, hobbies, and routines helps maintain identity and purpose, with care plans adapting to changing needs.

Understanding the Person's Perspective

Empathy and patience are key to understanding the world from the individual's perspective, especially when communication is challenging. Caregivers validate feelings and focus on the emotions behind behaviors, which often indicate unmet needs, rather than correcting the person's reality. Non-verbal cues and compassion are vital in communication.

Creating a Positive Social Environment

A positive social environment is essential for well-being, fostering a sense of belonging and security. This includes meaningful relationships with caregivers and family, engaging activities, and an environment where the person feels safe and valued.

Comparison of Person-Centred vs. Traditional Care

Feature	Person-Centred Care	Traditional Care (Older Models)
Focus	On the unique individual's story, preferences, and well-being.	Primarily on the disease, managing symptoms, and organizational routines.
View of Behavior	Behavior is viewed as a form of communication signaling unmet needs.	Behavior is labeled as problematic and often managed with medication.
Care Planning	Highly individualized, flexible, and responsive to the person's needs and moods.	Task-oriented and based on a fixed schedule that doesn't prioritize personal preferences.
Role of the Person	Active participant in decision-making, encouraging independence where possible.	Passive recipient of services, with decisions often made for them.
Relationships	Nurtures authentic, caring relationships built on trust and respect.	Can be more transactional, with staff focusing on tasks rather than connection.
Environment	Adapted to be familiar, stimulating, and calming, reflecting the person's history.	Standardized and institutional, not personalized to the individual.

Implementing the Values in Practice

1. Conduct Life Story Work: Gather details about the person's life history, roles, and preferences from them and their family to individualize care.
2. Encourage Choice and Autonomy: Provide opportunities for daily choices to preserve the person's sense of control and dignity.
3. Prioritize Meaningful Engagement: Offer activities that are personally significant to the individual, such as hobbies or looking at photos.
4. Validate Feelings, Not Facts: Acknowledge the person's emotions if they are confused or distressed, rather than correcting their reality, to build trust.
5. Create a Supportive Environment: Ensure the physical and social setting is predictable, safe, and stimulating, using clear signage and personal items.
6. Empower Staff Through Training: Provide ongoing education and support for caregivers on PCC principles to build confidence and empathy.

Benefits of Person-Centred Care

• Improved Quality of Life: Care tailored to individual needs enhances well-being and purpose.
• Reduced Behavioral Challenges: Addressing unmet needs and validating feelings can decrease challenging behaviors.
• Strengthened Relationships: Focus on connection builds trust between the person, caregivers, and family.
• Enhanced Dignity and Self-Esteem: Recognizing the person's worth and involving them in decisions preserves dignity.

Conclusion

Person-centred dementia care is guided by values like those in the VIPS framework, focusing on valuing the individual, providing individualized care, understanding their perspective, and creating a positive social environment. This approach prioritizes the person's dignity and unique life story, making care a more meaningful experience. For additional resources on supporting someone with dementia, visit the Alzheimer's Society website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which of the following are the values that support person-centred dementia care?

The core values supporting person-centred dementia care include valuing the individual, providing individualized care, understanding the person's unique perspective, and creating a positive social environment.

What is the VIPS framework in person-centred care?

The VIPS framework, developed by Tom Kitwood, outlines four key elements: Value (valuing the person), Individual (knowing the individual), Perspective (seeing the world from their point of view), and Social psychology (creating a positive social environment).

How does individualized care benefit someone with dementia?

Individualized care, which is a core value of person-centred care, benefits individuals by tailoring routines and activities to their life history and preferences, which can help maintain their sense of identity, reduce anxiety, and foster a feeling of purpose.

Why is it important to understand the perspective of a person with dementia?

Understanding the person's perspective is critical because behaviors often serve as a form of communication, signaling unmet needs or discomfort. By validating their feelings and attempting to see their reality, caregivers can build trust and provide more effective, compassionate support.

How can caregivers promote a positive social environment?

Caregivers can promote a positive social environment by fostering meaningful relationships, encouraging social interaction, and adapting the physical space to be calming and personalized. This helps the person feel connected and secure.

What is meant by valuing the person with dementia?

Valuing the person means recognizing their inherent worth and dignity, treating them with unconditional respect, and seeing them beyond their diagnosis. This involves honoring their past contributions and focusing on their remaining abilities.

How can families contribute to person-centred dementia care?

Families are integral partners in person-centred care. Their insights into the individual's life history, preferences, and personality are invaluable for tailoring care plans. They can also participate in discussions and provide support.