Emphasizing the Person, Not the Diagnosis
Historically, language used to describe and discuss dementia has often focused on loss, deficits, and stereotypes. Person-centered language shifts this perspective entirely by prioritizing the individual's humanity and unique identity above their diagnosis. Instead of labeling someone as 'demented,' 'afflicted,' or a 'victim,' person-first language uses terms like 'person living with dementia' or 'a senior living with dementia'. This small but powerful change acknowledges that the disease is only one part of who they are, preventing depersonalization and maintaining their self-worth.
Fostering Dignity and Self-Respect
Dignity is central to the person-centered approach. When language and communication are respectful, the person with dementia is less likely to feel shamed, ridiculed, or infantilized. Caregivers and family members who adopt this communication style treat the person with respect, valuing their preferences, experiences, and opinions. This helps preserve the individual's sense of autonomy and control, which can be significantly impacted by the progressive nature of the disease. By seeing and treating the person as a whole, valuable human being, you create an atmosphere of warmth and authenticity that benefits their emotional well-being.
Strengthening Relationships and Building Trust
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any strong relationship, and this remains true for people with dementia. When caregivers use person-centered language, they build a foundation of trust based on empathy and understanding, not condescension. This strengthens the bond between the person with dementia and their care partners, enabling more meaningful interactions. Trust is especially critical during times of confusion or distress, as the person with dementia will feel safer and more reassured when they know they are understood and respected.
Practical Communication Strategies
Validation and Emotional Connection
One of the most effective person-centered communication techniques is validation. Instead of correcting a person's confused statements or inaccurate memories, validation focuses on the feelings behind their words. For instance, if a person says they need to go home, even though they are already there, a validating response might be, "You feel like you need to go home right now. That feeling can be difficult." You can then connect with the emotion and explore its roots, perhaps by discussing pleasant memories of their childhood home rather than arguing about their current location.
Focusing on Abilities, Not Deficits
Person-centered language encourages focusing on what a person can still do, not what they have lost. Dementia affects individuals differently, and while some abilities decline, others may remain intact for a long time. For example, instead of lamenting that a person can no longer paint a complex picture, celebrate their ability to enjoy art by providing simple, creative activities. Using strength-based language, such as saying "Maria uses a communication device" instead of "Maria is non-verbal," emphasizes the person's strengths rather than perceived weaknesses.
Comparison of Language Approaches
| Traditional, Deficit-Based Language | Person-Centered, Strength-Based Language |
|---|---|
| "The patient is aggressive." | "The person is expressing unmet needs or frustration." |
| "She's wandering again." | "She seems to be restless and is losing her way." |
| "We need to feed her." | "We can support her with her meal." |
| "He's a dementia patient." | "He is a person living with dementia." |
| "She is non-compliant." | "She prefers not to participate right now." |
Understanding Behavior as Communication
When verbal communication declines, a person's behavior becomes their primary way of expressing needs, emotions, and thoughts. In a person-centered model, behaviors are not seen as a problem to be controlled but as meaningful communication to be understood. Responsive behaviors, which might be perceived as agitation, can signal underlying issues like pain, loneliness, boredom, or confusion. Instead of resorting to medication to calm a person, the person-centered approach involves identifying the root cause and responding with empathy. This could mean adjusting the environment, providing comfort, or redirecting their attention calmly.
Benefits of Person-Centered Language for All Involved
- For the person with dementia: Using person-centered language and communication techniques reduces distress and anxiety, promotes a sense of dignity and self-worth, and ultimately leads to a higher quality of life. It allows them to maintain their independence and autonomy for as long as possible.
- For caregivers and family: Adopting person-centered language can reduce caregiver burnout and frustration by shifting the focus from managing a difficult condition to connecting with a valued individual. It provides a clearer pathway for understanding and addressing a person's needs, leading to more rewarding interactions.
- For care communities: Instituting person-centered language as a standard practice can create a profound cultural shift in care settings, moving from task-oriented models to ones that truly see and respect each resident. This leads to more effective, compassionate, and meaningful care across the board.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the importance of using person-centered language when communicating with people living with dementia cannot be overstated. It is not merely a preference for a certain vocabulary; it is a fundamental shift in perspective that reclaims the personhood of someone affected by dementia. By prioritizing respect, dignity, and empathy in our words and actions, we empower individuals, strengthen relationships, and create a more compassionate and understanding world for those on the dementia journey. This approach acknowledges that while a person has dementia, the dementia does not have the person.
Further Reading
For more resources on person-centered dementia care, visit the Alzheimer's Association website: https://www.alz.org.
