Person-Led and Person Centred Care in Dementia: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Person-led and person centred care are approaches that work interchangeably together and focus on respect and values the uniqueness of each individual. Person led places the person at the centre,  however, goes beyond this in that the person coordinates their care and leads, whilst professionals facilitate what is required to maintain as much independence and control as possible. Whilst person centred has the person at the centre of care delivery, however professionals provide a more wrap around service which ensures that the person is supported to address their needs and wishes. Rather than focusing solely on clinical symptoms, both prioritises a person’s life history, preferences, values, and emotional wellbeing. In dementia care, this means adapting care strategies to meet the changing needs while preserving dignity, identity, and autonomy.

Dementia care often involves a combination of cognitive decline, physical health issues, and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), such as agitation, aggression, or withdrawal. A one-size-fits-all approach simply does not work.

Person-led and person centred care helps by:

• Reducing distress and agitation through familiar routines and personalized interventions
• Improving communication by aligning with the individual’s abilities and preferences
• Enhancing emotional wellbeing through meaningful engagement and social connection
• Supporting safer care delivery by understanding triggers and unmet needs

By focusing on the “why” behind behaviours, care professionals can respond with empathy rather than reaction.

Traditional care models often prioritise efficiency, completing tasks like feeding, bathing, and medication administration. While these are essential, they can overlook the human experience.

Person-led and person centred centred care shifts the focus from:

• “What task needs to be done?”
  to
• “What does this person need right now?”

This simple but powerful shift transforms care from routine to relationship-based support, fostering trust and cooperation especially in individuals with complex dementia who may struggle to communicate their needs.

Research consistently shows that person-led and person centred approaches lead to better outcomes in dementia care. These include:

• Reduced reliance on antipsychotic medications
• Lower levels of anxiety, aggression, and distress
• Improved quality of life and sense of identity
• Greater satisfaction among both individuals and care providers

For care organisations, this also translates into improved staff confidence, reduced burnout, and higher standards of care delivery.

To implement this gold-standard approach, care providers should focus on:

• Individualised care planning: Tailoring care based on personal history and preferences
• Consistent staffing: Building familiarity and trust
• Effective communication strategies: Verbal and non-verbal
• Family involvement: Gaining deeper insights into the individual’s life

Ongoing training: Ensuring staff are equipped to manage complex cases

• Quality of life in dementia goes beyond clinical outcomes. It includes:

  • Feeling safe, respected, and understood
  • Maintaining a sense of identity and purpose
  • Experiencing comfort, engagement, and connection
  • Having needs met in a way that aligns with personal preferences

  For individuals with complex dementia, these factors can significantly influence behavior, mood, and overall wellbeing.

• Person-centred care focuses on the individual behind the diagnosis. By tailoring support to personal history, preferences, and emotional needs, care professionals can create a more positive and supportive experience.

  Key ways it improves quality of life include:

  • Promoting dignity and respect: Recognizing each person as unique, not defined by their condition
  • Reducing distress and anxiety: Understanding triggers and responding with empathy
  • Encouraging meaningful engagement: Activities based on interests and abilities
  • Supporting independence: Empowering individuals to make choices where possible

  This approach ensures care is not only effective but also compassionate.

In complex dementia, individuals may experience behavioral and psychological symptoms such as agitation, withdrawal, or confusion. A person-centred approach helps uncover the underlying causes of these behaviors often linked to unmet needs, discomfort, or environmental stressors.

By addressing these factors, care providers can:

• Minimize challenging behaviors
• Reduce reliance on medication
• Improve communication and cooperation
• Create a calmer, more supportive care environment

One of the most powerful outcomes of person-centred care is the development of trust. When individuals feel heard and valued, they are more likely to engage positively with caregivers.

This relationship-based approach benefits:

• Individuals, who feel more secure and understood
• Care professionals, who experience more meaningful interactions

Families, who gain confidence in the quality of care provided

Implementing person-centred care doesn’t require complex systems, just a commitment to understanding the individual. Effective strategies include:

• Creating personalized care plans
• Incorporating life stories into daily care
• Using clear, compassionate communication
• Adapting environments to reduce confusion
• Involving families in care decisions

Small, consistent actions can lead to significant improvements in daily experiences.