Person-Centred Care Basics
Discover how to provide care that respects individuality, promotes dignity, and enhances wellbeing.
A Framework for Compassionate Care
Person-centred care is widely recognised as the gold standard approach in dementia care. It sees the person first—not the condition—and recognises that each individual brings a unique life history, personality, and set of preferences that should inform their care.
This module introduces the core principles and practical applications of person-centred care, providing you with the foundation to deliver care that truly enhances quality of life for people living with dementia.
"To care for a person with dementia is to know their story, to recognise their preferences, and to honour their dignity—even when they may not be able to express these things themselves."
Understanding Person-Centred Care
Person-centred care represents a fundamental shift in how we approach dementia care—moving from a task-oriented approach to one that prioritises the individual's unique needs, preferences, history, and relationships.
This approach, pioneered by Professor Tom Kitwood in the 1990s, recognises that the wellbeing of a person with dementia depends not only on their neurological condition but also on their psychology and social environment.
At its core, person-centred care aims to:
- Preserve personhood and dignity despite cognitive changes
- Respect individual preferences, life history, and cultural background
- Foster meaningful relationships and social connections
- Support autonomy and continued engagement in life
- Address holistic needs beyond physical care
The evidence for person-centred approaches is compelling—research consistently demonstrates improvements in quality of life, reduced agitation, decreased use of antipsychotic medications, and greater satisfaction for both people with dementia and their carers.
Reflection
Consider a person with dementia whom you care for or know. How might their experience change if every aspect of their care was tailored to their individual preferences, history, and needs?
Practical Tools
Life Story Template
A comprehensive guide for collecting and organising meaningful information about a person's life, preferences, and routines.
Key Areas to Cover:
- • Career/work history & achievements
- • Family relationships & important people
- • Hobbies, interests & favorite activities
- • Daily routines & personal preferences
- • Meaningful objects & memories
Person-Centred Care Plan
A template for developing individualised care plans that incorporate personal preferences, strengths, and support needs.
Plan Components:
- • Personal goals & aspirations
- • Communication preferences & methods
- • Support needs & independence areas
- • Risk assessment & mitigation strategies
- • Review schedule & outcome measures
Environmental Assessment Checklist
A tool for evaluating and improving physical environments to better support people living with dementia.
Assessment Areas:
- • Lighting levels & natural light access
- • Noise levels & acoustic environment
- • Navigation aids & clear signage
- • Safety features & fall prevention
- • Familiar objects & personal items
Communication Strategies Guide
Practical techniques for effective communication at different stages of dementia.
Effective Techniques:
- • Short, clear sentences & simple language
- • Non-verbal cues & body language
- • Active listening & validation
- • Offering choices & avoiding questions
- • Using visual aids & memory prompts
Further Resources
Advanced Person-Centred Care Module
Our advanced module will explore complex person-centred approaches for specific situations, including supporting people with advanced dementia and implementing organisational change. Register to be notified when it's available.
Legal & Ethical Framework
Person-centred care must be grounded in legal principles that protect individual rights and ensure ethical decision-making.
Mental Capacity Act 2005
Five Key Principles:
- • Assume capacity unless proven otherwise
- • Support decision-making before determining incapacity
- • Right to make unwise decisions
- • Best interests decisions if lacking capacity
- • Least restrictive option
Capacity Assessment
Can the person:
- • Understand the information?
- • Retain the information?
- • Use/weigh the information?
- • Communicate their decision?
DoLS & Safeguarding
Key Considerations:
- • Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
- • Least restrictive practice
- • Regular review of restrictions
- • Safeguarding concerns reporting
In Practice: Best Interests Decision-Making
Before Making a Best Interests Decision:
- ✓ Involve the person as much as possible
- ✓ Consider their past and present wishes
- ✓ Consult with family and carers
- ✓ Consider their beliefs and values
Documentation Must Include:
- ✓ Evidence of capacity assessment
- ✓ Who was consulted
- ✓ Reasoning for the decision
- ✓ Review date and arrangements
Choose Your Next Module
Continue your learning journey with any of our interactive training modules
Interactive Dementia 101
Foundation knowledge & understanding
Sensory Shift Empathy
Experience sensory changes
Communication Builder
Effective communication techniques
Understanding Behaviour
Behaviour as communication
Person-Centred Care
Individual preferences & dignity
Safety & Environment
Creating supportive spaces