What is person centred dementia care?

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The importance of person centred care in dementia

Person-centred care allows carers to support individuals living with specific conditions and help manage their symptoms, including dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, it “helps to ensure people with dementia can take part in the things they enjoy.”

It ultimately allows carers to help maintain the well-being and quality of life of those living with dementia. Investing time in their hobbies can help their cognitive skills and manage dementia-related symptoms such as anxiety. It is also beneficial for their mental upkeep.

This approach also allows carers to spend quality time with individuals. This will give them a sense of comfort and security, reassuring them that they’re safe, as familiarity is essential for a person living with dementia.

Furthermore, looking at things from an individual’s point of view and how they handle different situations also plays a part in person-centred care. For example, an individual living with dementia may repeat things due to memory loss, but being patient and responsive is essential as it will avoid worrying them.

This type of care also ensures that individuals are always treated with respect and focuses on the individual rather than the condition. This will also contribute to maintaining their independence. Overall, person-centred care will give them the confidence that it is still possible to live the life they want with a little help along the way.

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The benefits of person centred care

One-to-one care

By having one-to-one care, carers can support you or your loved one on an individual basis. They will be familiar with your likes and dislikes, which makes a huge difference in the care you receive. Knowing what you prefer to eat, how you like your house cleaned, clothes folded, or what’s needed on the shopping list can give you peace of mind knowing you can receive compassionate care from a trustworthy carer.

Holistic approach

Person-centred care also includes a holistic approach which supports the individual as a whole and considers their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

A holistic approach includes investing time in hobbies, attending weekly classes and exploring the community. Or it can be as simple as just conversing with a loved one and listening to how they are. After all, when it comes to care, mental well-being is essential.

Provides companionship

Person-centred care offers more than support. It provides companionship. Loneliness is a growing concern amongst older people, with many living alone. Causes can include bereavement, family moving away and health issues. However, having someone come and visit regularly can benefit an individual mentally and physically. Whether you or a loved one enjoys gardening, walking the dog or likes to share childhood memories, person-centred care allows you to receive the companionship you need.

Gives back control

With person-centred care at home, you’ll have more control over your care. There are no restrictions, visiting hours or set mealtimes. Carers work around your routine, as having a structure to the day is essential, especially if you are living with a specific condition like dementia. It helps to manage dementia-related symptoms and allows the carer “less time trying to figure out what to do and more time on activities that provide meaning and enjoyment.” (Alzheimer’s Association)

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How Helping Hands can help with dementia care

At Helping Hands, we provide dedicated and compassionate dementia care at home, so our customers can remain in an environment they feel safe and always loved. Our carers are trained to look after our customers living with dementia, so they can continue living life on their terms. Our carers will ensure you or your loved one is safe by making sure their home is free of any trip hazards, preparing nutritious meals, and providing emotional support.

We offer person-centred dementia care on a visiting care and live-in care basis, which means you can choose when our carers can visit. So, whether you wish to have someone visit three times a week or stay at home for 24 hours a day, this can be arranged.

For added reassurance, we are also a member of the Dementia Action Alliance, which means our carers are trained to support you or your loved one’s routine so that they are comfortable and can continue to live independently at home. Furthermore, our services are regularly monitored by the Care Quality Commission and Care Inspectorate Wales. So you can have complete confidence knowing you or your loved one will receive the very best care.