This subtopic equips learners with the skills to facilitate person-centred assessment, planning, implementation, and review for individuals living with dem
Topic Synopsis
This subtopic equips learners with the skills to facilitate person-centred assessment, planning, implementation, and review for individuals living with dementia. It emphasises involving the person in all stages of care, respecting their history, preferences, and rights, while working collaboratively with families and professionals to promote well-being and autonomy.
Key Concepts & Core Principles
- Person-centred care: Tailoring support to the individual's preferences, history, and needs, as outlined by Tom Kitwood's model. This includes valuing the person behind the dementia and involving them in decisions.
- Types of dementia: Alzheimer's disease (most common, caused by plaques and tangles), vascular dementia (due to reduced blood flow to the brain), Lewy body dementia (abnormal protein deposits), and frontotemporal dementia (damage to frontal and temporal lobes).
- Communication techniques: Using simple language, non-verbal cues, and validation therapy to reduce distress. Avoid open-ended questions; instead, offer choices and use reminiscence to engage.
- Legal and ethical frameworks: The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (assessing capacity, best interests decisions), the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), and the Equality Act 2010 (protecting against discrimination).
- Challenging behaviour: Understanding that behaviours like aggression or wandering often result from unmet needs (pain, boredom, confusion). Use the ABC chart (Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence) to identify triggers.
Exam Tips & Revision Strategies
- Always use the individual’s name and include concrete examples of how you built rapport and gathered their views, even if their verbal communication is limited.
- When writing about care planning, link each goal directly to something the person values or has expressed, to demonstrate person-centred thinking.
- Show that you understand the fluctuating nature of dementia by explaining how you remained flexible and responsive during implementation and monitoring.
- For the review process, detail how you created a comfortable environment, used memory aids, and involved the person meaningfully rather than just informing them of decisions.
- Reference relevant legislation (e.g., Mental Capacity Act, Care Act) to strengthen your evidence of rights-based, ethical practice throughout the cycle.
Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid
- Learners often describe care planning as a professional-led task, failing to evidence how the person with dementia was truly at the centre of decisions.
- A frequent error is using generic, task-focused language in care plans (e.g., ‘will be washed’) rather than personalised outcomes (e.g., ‘Joan prefers a bath with lavender oil to start her day calmly’).
- Many neglect to consider the individual’s life history, cultural background, and current preferences, leading to plans that do not reflect the person’s identity.
- Learners sometimes overlook the need to adapt communication methods to support the person’s understanding and participation, assuming they cannot contribute.
- A common misconception is that monitoring only involves checking physical health, ignoring changes in mood, behaviour, or social engagement.
Examiner Marking Points
- Award credit for demonstrating how you actively involved the individual with dementia in their own assessment, using appropriate communication methods and tools (e.g., life story work).
- Expect clear evidence that the care plan reflects the person’s strengths, goals, and choices, not just their deficits, with specific examples of how their voice was prioritised.
- Look for proof of collaboration with family members, advocates, and other professionals when planning and reviewing care, ensuring a holistic approach.
- Assess whether the learner can explain how they monitored changing needs and adapted the care plan promptly, keeping the individual at the centre.
- Credit clear documentation that shows a person-centred review process, including feedback from the individual and agreed adjustments to support.