Person-Centred Approach

I've read much about the 'person-centred approach' towards caring for those with dementia. Part of me felt frustrated at the outset as it reminded of when I was teaching there was a focus on 'every child matters'. Seemed so obvious! How would you be an effective teacher otherwise!?

As my experience in the dementia world grew, I have realised that the person- centred approach is a healthy one, and it reminds us that it's all about the person with dementia and how they feel, in this very moment, and how we can help them to feel the best way possible.

One of the most sensible books I've come across so far that describes an excellent approach to dementia, has been 'Contented Dementia' by Oliver James. I never imagined there could exist such a concept. Contented Dementia? Up until this point, I'd only ever been presented with frustrating, upsetting and harrowing dementia.

However, I now hold onto the message that is made so clearly by James in the intro.  It goes as follows... "the only difference between the person with dementia today and the person you used to know is a single disability: they can no longer store new information efficiently.

All their difficulties and your problems in dealing with them derive from this fact.....If you cease requiring them to store new information when communicating with them, a great many of the problems will disappear.

​To do so you merely have to obey these three commandments:
1. Don't ask questions
2. Learn from them as the experts on their disability
3. Always agree with everything they say, never interrupting them."

I've included the development of these ideas in my presentations.

​Do come along to these training sessions to find out more and to meet others in the same boat.