Person-centered care is a way of thinking and doing things that makes your loved one an equal partner in planning, developing and monitoring care to make sure it meets their needs. It puts them at the center of their care, honoring their values, choices and preferences, rather than focusing on their current level of ability, or abilities they have lost. Person-centered care is not just about giving people whatever they want or providing information. It is compas-sionate care that considers a person’s desires, val-ues, and lifestyle. One sees the person as an individ-ual, and works together with them to develop the best solution. This might be done through sharing decisions with the person with dementia and helping them manage their health, when to go to bed, or how to spend an afternoon--but person-centered care is not just about activities. It is as much about the way you and your loved one think about care and your relationship as the actual care that is provided. It is grounded in mutually beneficial partnerships established between people with dementia and their caregivers.

The “Person-Centered Matters” video highlights people living with dementia and those who care about them. This video highlights the positive aspects about helping people live fully with dementia.