Person-Centred Dementia Care
Person-centred care means seeing the person first, not the dementia. It was pioneered by Professor Tom Kitwood and is the foundation of quality dementia care in the UK, underpinned by NICE NG97 and CQC Regulation 9.
“The task is not to deal with a condition called dementia, but to deal with a person who has dementia, and to do so in such a way as to maintain the absolute value of that person.”
— Professor Tom Kitwood, pioneer of person-centred dementia care
NICE NG97 alignment:NICE Guideline NG97 (Dementia: Assessment, Management and Support) recommends that health and social care staff deliver care that is person-centred, respects the individual's preferences, and involves the person with dementia in decisions about their own care and support.
The Principles of Person-Centred Dementia Care
Tom Kitwood identified that the quality of dementia care depends on the interpersonal environment as much as the physical one. These six principles form the foundation of person-centred care practice in UK care homes.
Valuing the Person
Every person has absolute value regardless of their cognitive abilities. Their worth is not diminished by dementia. This means treating the person with dignity, respecting their choices, and acknowledging their individuality.
In practice:
- Greet the person by their preferred name
- Ask about their preferences before making decisions for them
- Include them in conversations — never speak about them as if they are not there
- Acknowledge their feelings, even if the facts are incorrect
Individualised Care
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dementia care. Every person's experience is shaped by their life history, culture, personality, relationships, and the type and stage of their dementia.
In practice:
- Learn and use the person's life story (use the Getting to Know Me template)
- Tailor activities to the person's past interests and current abilities
- Adapt communication styles to individual needs
- Create a personalised care plan that reflects the person's preferences
Seeing the Whole Person
Dementia is only one part of a person's life. They also have physical health needs, emotional needs, spiritual needs, social needs, and cultural needs that must all be addressed.
In practice:
- Consider physical health — pain, nutrition, hydration, sleep
- Support social connections and relationships
- Respect cultural and spiritual beliefs and practices
- Address emotional wellbeing — loneliness, anxiety, boredom
Understanding Behaviour as Communication
Behaviour that challenges is often an expression of unmet need. Rather than labelling behaviour as 'problematic', try to understand what the person is communicating — pain, fear, boredom, frustration, or an unmet physical need.
In practice:
- Observe and record behaviour patterns (use ABC charts)
- Rule out pain and physical illness first
- Consider the environment — is it noisy, unfamiliar, or over-stimulating?
- Ask 'What is this person trying to tell me?'
Positive Communication & Relationships
The quality of the relationship between the person with dementia and their carer is fundamental. Positive interactions build trust, reduce distress, and enhance wellbeing for both the person and the carer.
In practice:
- Approach calmly and from the front
- Use a warm, respectful tone
- Allow time for responses — don't rush
- Use validation and empathy rather than reality orientation
- Share laughter and enjoyable moments
Empowering & Enabling
Focus on what the person CAN do, not what they cannot. Maximize independence and provide support that enables the person to remain as autonomous as possible for as long as possible.
In practice:
- Offer choices, not instructions — 'Would you like tea or coffee?' rather than 'It's time for a drink'
- Break tasks into manageable steps
- Use visual cues and prompts alongside verbal instructions
- Celebrate small achievements and maintain the person's sense of purpose
Malignant Social Psychology
Kitwood also identified patterns of interaction that actively harm people with dementia. Recognising and avoiding these is just as important as practising positive approaches.
CQC & Legislative Framework
- •Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care):Care and treatment must be appropriate, meet the person's needs, and reflect their preferences.
- •Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect): People must be treated with dignity and respect at all times.
- •Regulation 11 (Need for Consent):Care must not be provided without the person's consent, unless the Mental Capacity Act applies.
- •Mental Capacity Act 2005: Always assume capacity; support people to make their own decisions; any decision made on their behalf must be in their best interests.
Getting to Know Me Template
One of the most powerful tools for person-centred care is a “Getting to Know Me” or “This Is Me” life story document. It captures the person's history, preferences, routines, and communication needs so that every member of the care team can deliver truly individualised care.
View the Getting to Know Me templateFurther Reading
Important Notice
Care Handbook is a guidance resource only. It does not replace your organisation's policies, formal training, or current CQC standards. Always follow your employer's specific procedures and consult your line manager or the relevant professional body if you are unsure. The information here is based on current CQC frameworks and UK legislation but may not reflect the very latest updates. Always verify with cqc.org.uk for the most current guidance.