Elder Care presentation on having a person-centered approach to understanding dementia

A Person-centered Approach to Dementia Care



Dr. Elizabeth Rhodes - Sanders Brown Center on Aging



A person-centered approach to dementia care is a care philosophy centered around the unique personhood of those living with dementia. Elements include wants and needs of the person; this type of care recognizes their person’s likes and dislikes, preferences and strengths. The strength-based approach allows for a partnership among the person living with dementia and their care ‘partner.’ This philosophy goes beyond the more traditional ‘medical model of care,' which focuses on a person’s condition or symptoms and empowers the care partner with empathy and compassion.