Fact 13. The Concept of Person-Centered Care
At the heart of effectively managing agitation in dementia lies the concept of person-centered care. This approach views the individual with dementia not merely as a patient, but as a unique individual with their own life story, values, preferences, and abilities. It seeks to understand the world from the individual’s perspective, placing their needs and preferences at the forefront of their care.
Person-centered care is particularly beneficial in managing agitation as it seeks to understand the underlying causes of agitated behavior. Rather than simply viewing agitation as a symptom to be managed, person-centered care recognizes that agitation is often a form of communication. The individual might be feeling uncomfortable, frightened, or frustrated, and their agitation is a way of expressing these emotions.
By understanding the individual’s unique experiences and perspectives, caregivers can identify potential triggers for agitation and devise strategies to mitigate them. This might involve adjusting the individual’s environment, modifying their daily routine, or finding new ways to communicate. (13)
