The Fundamentals of Person-Centered Care for Individuals With Dementia

Gerontologist. 2018 Jan 18;58(suppl_1):S10-S19. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnx122.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Person-centered care is a philosophy of care built around the needs of the individual and contingent upon knowing the unique individual through an interpersonal relationship. This review article outlines the history, components, and impact of person-centered care practices.

Research design and methods: Through literature review, published articles on person-centered measures and outcomes were examined.

Results: The history of person-centered care was described, core principles of care for individuals with dementia outlined, current tools to measure person-centered care approaches reviewed, and outcomes of interventions discussed.

Discussion and implications: Evidence-based practice recommendations for person-centered care for individuals with dementia are outlined. More research is needed to further assess the outcomes of person-centered care approaches and models.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Dementia care; Individualized care; Recommendations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dementia / therapy*
  • Evidence-Based Practice / methods*
  • Humans
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Patient-Centered Care / organization & administration*