My recent post on adopting person centered care (PCC) has spurred some discussion about why PCC isn’t an automatic care process.
My experience over the last 25 years was to provide “person centered care” before it was labeled as such – it was the only way I knew how to care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Yes, person centered care should have been what others were providing all along. However, the reality is that in assisted living and nursing homes, the philosophy of PCC for those with dementia has not been completely embraced. Traditional care – particularly in nursing facilities, has focused on medical or custodial needs based on completing the task versus person first.
While it is sad that providing care the right way has become another “movement,” that must be “adopted,” many in health care genuinely want to do so. In order to transition away from schedules and checklists, an organization-wide change in the culture will be necessary. Fortunately, those of us with this expertise are ready and willing to help.
Dementia Care Expertise for Health Care Providers 