Author: John Hobday

To provide the best possible care for someone living with dementia, it’s very important to get to know them. Often, the best way to do this is to just speak directly with the person instead of focusing on just the care you are providing. For example, where did they grow up? What did they enjoy doing on weekends? Did they have siblings, a pet, or a favorite sports team? If the person can’t tell you, try showing them photographs to start a conversation.

You can also talk to a person’s family and friends to learn more about their life story. What were the person’s likes and dislikes? What did they do before they showed signs of dementia? Did they like to garden? Did they like to knit? When you get to know someone, you begin to understand what things can make them happy or upset. You also respect who they are as a person. You learn to care for and communicate with them in a way that works best for them and builds trust.

Getting to Know the Person Living with Dementia

Each person you care for is unique. Get to know them. Really try to learn something about the person, their life experiences, and what they need to be happy. This will make their time with you more meaningful.

Would you like to try our award-winning CARES® Dementia 5-Step Method Online Training for Free and learn how you and your staff can improve the quality of care for people living with dementia?

Visit www.hcinteractive.com/5StepDemo for free access!

Four important aspects of Person-centered Care

There are four important aspects of person-centered care you should know.

1. Get to know the “whole person”

Each person has a rich history, lifestyle, likes, dislikes, needs, and abilities. See the whole person and learn about that person—mind, body, heart, and spirit.

2. Recognize that the person has the same human needs as you do

Try to think of someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia as more like you than different from you. See each person as a human being with human needs.

3. Learn about and accept the person’s “sense of reality”

Try to understand how the person’s dementia affects how they see and respond to the world.

4. Think positive

Focus on the person’s remaining strengths and abilities. Be confident that by using a person-centered approach like the evidenced-based, 5-step CARES® Approach you can make a difference—a big difference.

Key Principles of Person-Centered Care in Dementia Support

Person-centered care revolves around understanding the individual holistically. Start by getting to know the whole person—their history, lifestyle, and abilities. Treat those living with Alzheimer’s or related dementias as fellow human beings with the same needs for dignity and respect.

It’s essential to learn and accept their sense of reality, shaped by their condition, and to focus on their strengths rather than limitations. By adopting a positive approach and using methods like the evidenced-based, 5-step CARES® Approach, you can make a significant difference in the person’s quality of life, whether you’re a caregiver, family member, or friend.

Try our award-winning CARES® Dementia 5-Step Method Online Training for Free and learn how you and your staff can make a difference.

Visit www.hcinteractive.com/5StepDemo for free access!