The Power of Person Centered Care in Dementia Support

Caring for someone who is living with dementia can be challenging. As the condition develops over time, you may feel you’ve lost the person you once knew – especially as memory loss, personality changes and poor decision-making becomes all the more prevalent. Often, the need for specialist dementia carers or specialist support increases as the individual’s condition develops, and they’re unable to live independently in their own home.

With over 30 years of experience, Barchester develops and supports its teams to provide the best person-centred dementia care, with a specialist dementia training programme that’s supported by its own team of dementia care specialists and academic research partners.

What is person-centred care in dementia?

Person-centred care in dementia is an approach that focusses on the individual needs, preferences, and values of the person living with dementia, rather than just the symptoms of the condition. It recognises that each person is unique, with their own life history, experiences, relationships, and personality – all of which should shape the care and support they receive.

How person-centred care benefits people living with dementia

Strong relationships with caregivers, family, and peers help people who are living with dementia feel valued and connected. Continuity of care, the importance of routines and genuine emotional bonds are central to the well-being of someone living with dementia, as well as a supportive physical and social environment.

Person-centred dementia care supports people to continue using the abilities they still have, rather than focusing only on what they’ve lost. Activities that promote a sense of purpose and enjoyment are vital. At Barchester, our dedicated activities co-ordinators prepare weekly activity plans that include mental, physical and social stimulation which are tailored to the needs and interests of residents. By truly understanding each person on a personal level, Barchester’s activity co-ordinators plan suitable activities and events both in and out of their homes, with a choice of group activities or one-to-one sessions if they’re preferred.

Enhancing quality of life

Specialist dementia care is vital to retaining the greatest quality of life, ensuring the relevant levels of engagement and support are always available. Understanding a person’s routines, their likes and dislikes, are examples of person-centred care that can enhance quality of life and involving families as much as possible supports this too. Barchester homes with dementia-friendly surroundings are designed to support independence and increase stimulation through colour theming, appropriate lighting and sensory areas that encourage touch or smell – all are imperative to an enhanced quality of life for someone living with dementia. 

In Barchester care homes, care is based on dignity and choice, and staffing levels reflect the additional needs for people living with dementia, to support interactions and so that residents can retain a sense of purpose and selfhood.

Supporting emotional well-being

Supporting the emotional well-being of those living with dementia is just as important as meeting their physical health needs. At Barchester Healthcare, we understand that dementia can bring about feelings of confusion, frustration and isolation, which is why our well-trained teams focus on creating calm, comforting environments that promote connection and reassurance. 

It’s important to provide individuals with validation and reassurance, whilst encouraging them to participate in social groups, community activities, and hobbies where they wish.

Through personalised care, meaningful activities, and strong relationships with family, friends and communities outside of their home, we help residents maintain a sense of identity and purpose. Whether it’s through music therapy, reminiscence sessions or simply spending quality time together, we are committed to nurturing emotional well-being every step of the way. 

Maintaining independence and identity

By focusing on what each individual can do, rather than what they can’t, it’s important to help preserve a sense of self-worth and autonomy for those living with dementia. It’s about celebrating who they are - their life stories, preferences and personalities - and making sure those remain at the heart of their care.

Maintaining independence and identity is central to the care we provide at Barchester Healthcare. We believe that everyone should be supported to live life on their own terms, no matter their stage of dementia. Our personalised approach encourages residents to make choices about their daily routines, take part in familiar tasks, and stay involved in hobbies they’ve always enjoyed. 

With over 200 care homes across the UK that offer dementia care and support, Barchester understands the impact an environment can have on the independence and well-being of the people in their care. Memory Lane Communities are dedicated and secure areas of these homes that are designed with comfort, support and care at the forefront. Everything in a Memory Lane Community has been carefully curated and designed to be dementia-friendly.

Key elements of a person-centred dementia care plan

A person-centred dementia care plan focusses on the unique needs, preferences, and life experiences of the individual. It can take into account a number of things, including:

• A person’s history and life story - by taking into account someone’s background, values and relationships, we can help those caring for people with dementia to connect on a deeper level - giving them the opportunity to tailor care which is meaningful for each individual.
• Individual preferences - daily routines, food choices, cultural and spiritual beliefs should all be respected and taken into consideration when planning care.
• Communication needs - understanding how someone best expresses themselves and matching communication styles accordingly helps to support better interaction and reduces stress.
• Cognitive and emotional needs - it’s important to take into account a person’s level of memory loss, mood and emotional well-being to provide appropriate activities and therapies to support the mental health of those being cared for.
• Physical health and mobility - medical conditions, medications and mobility aids all need to be considered, as well as nutritional needs.
• Relationships and social support - Maintaining contact with loved ones, involving families in all care decisions, and fostering opportunities for social connection.

Together, these elements ensure that care is not just about managing symptoms, but about preserving dignity, identity and quality of life.

Personal histories and preferences

A person’s history and life story play a vital role in delivering truly meaningful, person-centred dementia care. By taking the time to understand someone’s background - where they grew up, their career, family life, hobbies, and significant life events - we can gain invaluable insights into what makes that person who they are. 

Knowing their values, traditions and the relationships that have shaped them, allows carers to connect on a more human level, fostering trust and emotional security. For example, incorporating familiar music from their youth, reminiscing about cherished memories, or recognising important cultural practices can bring comfort and spark moments of joy. 

Consistent and compassionate staff

At Barchester, our highly trained care teams approach dementia care with years of expertise and the latest research and training, paired with compassion, comfort and support.

From meaningful everyday activities, to providing nutritious meals and maintaining warm and happy environments. Our teams take the time to get to know every resident individually, to help support them to live life the way that they choose.

Involving families in care

Barchester is committed to supporting and involving family and friends in all aspects of their loved one’s care. Strong communication is at the heart of our approach - whether it’s through meaningful day-to-day conversations or more formal meetings, we ensure everyone feels heard and involved. 

We love to meet those closest to our residents and encourage them to visit whenever they can, joining for meals and activities if they wish to. Where regular visits are not possible, our teams keep residents connected to the people who matter most to them, and ensure we still involve families in decisions to provide the highest standard of care. 

Life in a dementia care home

At Barchester, life in a dementia care home is about creating a safe, supportive, and enriching environment where each person is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. 

We focus on person-centred care that honours every individual’s history, preferences, and needs - helping them maintain their independence, identity, and emotional well-being. With thoughtfully designed spaces, engaging activities, and a strong sense of community, our homes provide comfort and connection.

We understand how difficult the transition into care can be too, and so we want to make sure our environments and compassionate teams ease this process as much as possible.

Choosing the right dementia support for your loved one

We understand that choosing the right care home for your loved one can be one of life’s biggest decisions – and we are here to help you. You may choose to visit a couple of homes in your area before reaching a decision, and our handy guide is filled with questions and tips to support your decision-making.

All of Barchester’s dementia specialist care homes are regulated by the Care Quality Commission, Care Inspectorate Wales or Scotland’s Care Inspectorate, and our carers are specially trained to provide safe and effective dementia support. It’s important for you to find a home where your loved one will feel comfortable, cared for, and assured.

Barchester’s Memory Lane Communities are specially designed for people living with dementia, offering a warm, supportive and welcoming environment that combines comfort, high-quality care, and a strong sense of hospitality. Thoughtful interior design features help with reminiscence, whilst the resident’s communities are broken into smaller units to emulate a family home. 

They provide a homely, calming atmosphere where families feel welcomed, local communities are embraced, and staff are empowered to deliver their very best within a supportive and understanding setting.

What to look for in a care provider

When choosing a care provider, it’s important to look beyond just the basics and find a place where your loved one will feel truly valued and supported. 

Look for a provider that offers personalised, person-centred care tailored to individual needs and preferences, especially when supporting those living with dementia. A warm, welcoming environment, compassionate staff, and a strong emphasis on emotional well-being and meaningful activity can make all the difference. 

When researching suitable homes for your loved one, review websites such as carehome.co.uk or Google Reviews often share valuable insights into the quality of care and life you can expect, in addition to official regulator reports.