Dementia advice
This ethos is an important part of any care plan at Care UK, but for those living with dementia, person-centred care can also help to manage behaviours that challenge, keeping individuals feeling calmer and happier.
Person-centred care is tailored to the individual. It reflects who the person is now, identifying and building on their abilities, and it values who they have been throughout their life. It reflects their personal choices and preferences in the care they receive.
Suzanne Mumford, Head of Nursing, Care and Dementia Services at Care UKOur teams take the time to get to know each resident, building a life story book which includes all their likes and dislikes, as well as the key moments from their past, favourite places and important people. The life story book informs a care plan which will continue to be filled in with new hobbies and experiences in the care home.
A person-centred approach views people living with dementia in the same way, meaning our teams will put the individual and their personal choices at the centre of the care we provide.
Person-centred care, which involves treating each resident with dignity and respect, has been shown to reduce agitation and aggressive behaviour in people with dementia.
When care isn’t person-centred, it tends to be task orientated and institutionalised. The person is often perceived as one of many, and their care builds on the stereotypes of how people perceive those living with dementia to be.
Care that isn’t person-centred tends to involve ‘doing to’ the person rather than ‘supporting with’ care and lifestyle choices. Find out more about how to provide person-centred care.
At Care UK, our teams are experts in delivering person-centred care for residents living with dementia. We support residents to enjoy meaningful lives in a number of ways, including:
Getting to know their history, interests, hobbies, and preferences in everything from food to music
Looking at the world from their point of view
Giving them choices but asking closed questions so as not to overwhelm them
Offering opportunities to connect with others (explore conversation tips in our Listen, Talk, Connect guide)
Helping them try new things, for example with our Wishing Tree initiative
If you or a loved one would benefit from receiving person-centred dementia care in a safe and warm environment, why not find a care home near you.