Discover how person-centred care transforms dementia support by preserving dignity, enhancing well-being, and improving outcomes for individuals and caregivers alike. 

Dementia is a growing global concern, affecting millions of individuals and their families. Figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that more than 55 million people currently live with dementia worldwide. Whilst the condition is often associated primarily with cognitive decline and loss, person-centred care offers a more holistic and compassionate approach to supporting individuals living with dementia.  

By focusing on the person rather than the disease, this approach helps maintain dignity, identity, and overall well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore the principles, strategies, challenges, and benefits of person-centred care in dementia. We’ll also talk about how an MSc in Dementia can prepare you to apply these principles effectively. 

A definition of person-centred care 

Person-centred care is an approach to caregiving that places the individual at the heart of their care. It considers their unique needs, preferences, and values. This respectful, responsive approach is shaped by both the person living with dementia and their caregivers and supporters. It ensures that people remain engaged, empowered, and in control of their health and well-being.  

By tailoring support to each person, coordinating services, and involving families, communities, and professionals across sectors, person-centred care tackles a number of issues. It promotes equality, narrows health disparities, and delivers better outcomes whilst maintaining independence and dignity. 

Core principles of person-centred care in dementia 

Person-centred care is based on the philosophy that each person with dementia is a unique individual with their own preferences, values, and needs. Its key pillars include: 

• Respect and dignity: Treating individuals with respect and preserving their dignity, regardless of the stage of dementia. 

• Individualised care: Tailoring care plans and interventions to meet personal preferences, habits, and cultural backgrounds. 

• Empowerment: Encouraging autonomy and involving individuals in decision-making about their care. 

• Relationship-centred care: Recognising the importance of relationships, including those with family, friends, and caregivers. 

• Focus on well-being: Enhancing emotional, social, and psychological well-being rather than just managing symptoms. 

Strategies for implementing person-centred care 

Effective person-centred care relies on specific strategies to address the unique challenges of dementia care. Key strategies include: 

Effective communication 

Communication is essential in person-centred care. Caregivers should: 

• Use clear, simple language. 

• Pay attention to non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions. 

• Practice active listening to understand the individual’s feelings and needs. 

Meaningful activities 

Engaging individuals in meaningful activities tailored to their interests and abilities can improve mood, reduce agitation, and promote a sense of purpose. Examples include: 

• Arts and crafts 

• Gardening 

• Music therapy 

• Reminiscence activities that evoke positive memories 

Creating a supportive environment 

Adapting the physical environment to be dementia-friendly can enhance safety and independence. Strategies include: 

• Ensuring good lighting and minimal noise to avoid sensory overload. 
• Using clear signage and colour-coded areas for orientation. 
• Reducing hazards and providing safe spaces for movement.

Family and community involvement 

By involving families and communities in the care process, professional caregivers can build stronger emotional connections and support networks. 

Challenges to person-centred dementia care 

Implementing person-centred dementia care is not without its challenges. Some common obstacles include: 

Staffing and training constraints  

High resident-to-staff ratios and limited training can hinder the ability to provide individualised care in supported care settings. Investing in staff education and adequate staffing levels is essential. 

Balancing safety with autonomy  

Caregivers must balance the need to keep individuals safe alongside maintaining their right to autonomy. For example, overly restrictive safety measures can lead to frustration and reduce quality of life. 

Medical vs. holistic needs  

Healthcare providers often focus purely on managing medical symptoms, which can overshadow efforts to address emotional and social needs. 

Cultural and systemic barriers  

Differences in cultural values and systemic issues, such as underfunded care settings, can impede the adoption of person-centred approaches. 

The positive impact of person-centred care 

The benefits of person-centred care for individuals with dementia and their caregivers are well-documented. Here are just a few of the key benefits of person-centred care from a systematic review of this approach. 

Psychological benefits for residents 

Person-centred interventions, such as the Eden Alternative, significantly reduce residents’ feelings of boredom, helplessness, and depression. This approach focuses on understanding each individual's needs, shifting staff perspectives, and considering residents’ personal histories. Studies using tools like the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia show notable improvements in psychological well-being among residents in person-centred care settings. 

Reduced agitation in residents with dementia 

Dementia care mapping is a formal observational method used in care settings to enhance the quality of care for individuals with dementia. It involves structured processes such as preparation, observation, analysis, feedback, and action planning. Regular care mapping has demonstrated reduced agitation levels in residents with dementia who receive person-oriented care compared to task-oriented care. 

Improved staff satisfaction and confidence 

Person-centred care models tailored to each facility improve staff job satisfaction, boost their confidence, and strengthen their ability to provide high-quality, individualised care. These approaches also create better working conditions, enabling staff to meet residents’ needs with greater dignity and respect.  

Enhanced resident autonomy and social interaction 

Assigning the same caregivers to specific residents enhances continuity of care and helps build stronger, more meaningful relationships. This consistency also encourages more social interaction among residents, fostering a greater sense of community and belonging. 

Improved quality of life 

Initiatives like the Green House model improve the lives of residents in care homes by creating non-institutional, home-like environments. In these spaces, residents and staff engage in meaningful relationships based on equality and mutual respect.

This model emphasises dignity, empowerment, and quality of life. This leads to better outcomes for residents, reduced staff turnover, and higher occupancy rates compared to traditional nursing homes.

Their Best Life approach focuses on the accomplishments of individuals with dementia, rather than focusing only on loss. It also highlights the dignity of respecting the right to take risks.  

A Health Services Research study found that residents in Green House model homes showed a significantly higher self-reported quality of life. This demonstrates the value of home-like environments and personalised care practices. 

Family and community engagement 

Family satisfaction levels increased in facilities adopting person-centred care models. This is due to improved care quality and the involvement of families in care planning and decision-making. 

How an MSc in Dementia can help you deliver person-centred care 

The global need for dementia care professionals who can create and implement person-centred care plans is growing. The Hull Online MSc in Dementia equips you with the skills to meet this demand. 

Through a multi-disciplinary, relationship-centred approach, you’ll challenge outdated deficit-based views and put person-centred care into action. 

You’ll gain: 

• Essential knowledge: Core modules like Living Well with Dementia and Dying Well with Dementia provide strategies to enhance well-being and deliver compassionate end-of-life care. 

• Critical thinking: Develop the ability to assess and improve existing care models, driving innovation and advocacy. 

• Real-world application: Explore social and systemic factors affecting dementia care through modules like Systems and Ecologies. 

• Global insights: Connect with professionals worldwide to gain diverse perspectives that enhance your practice. 

  
  

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, caregiver, or advocate, you’ll be equipped to drive meaningful change and improve lives: