Date of Award

Spring 2020

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Psychology; College of Arts & Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Marianne Miserandino

Abstract

Person Centered Care, or PCC is a framework of care which emphasizes the importance of individuality and individually based needs. This framework takes into account all aspects of the human being, such as their personality and personal history. This stands in stark contrast to the traditional model of care, the medical model, which focuses on the disease and its treatment, rather than the psychosocial needs of the individual. Proper care in the psychosocial realm is a necessity within elderly populations with Dementia. This is because Dementia manifests itself differently depending on the person. This, along with the incredible rate of comorbidity of other conditions makes Person Centered Care imperative to the well being of those with Dementia. Compared to the traditional medical model, PCC has the ability to forge relationships, which is ultimately what individuals with Dementia need most. Knowing residents on a deeper level allows them to lead more fulfilling lives by giving them social connections which help in the maintenance of self identity. Despite its success, PCC is often difficult to maintain for extended periods of time. Without constant vigilance and a strong will to espouse person centered care workers will be unable to maintain this style of care for an extended time. This is because espousing care that is person centered requires constant attention and recognition of the fact that the residents are people, a concept which can be lost in the tedium of daily care.

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Comprehensive Elderly Care: Moving Towards a Person Centered Care Model of Dementia Care

Person Centered Care, or PCC is a framework of care which emphasizes the importance of individuality and individually based needs. This framework takes into account all aspects of the human being, such as their personality and personal history. This stands in stark contrast to the traditional model of care, the medical model, which focuses on the disease and its treatment, rather than the psychosocial needs of the individual. Proper care in the psychosocial realm is a necessity within elderly populations with Dementia. This is because Dementia manifests itself differently depending on the person. This, along with the incredible rate of comorbidity of other conditions makes Person Centered Care imperative to the well being of those with Dementia. Compared to the traditional medical model, PCC has the ability to forge relationships, which is ultimately what individuals with Dementia need most. Knowing residents on a deeper level allows them to lead more fulfilling lives by giving them social connections which help in the maintenance of self identity. Despite its success, PCC is often difficult to maintain for extended periods of time. Without constant vigilance and a strong will to espouse person centered care workers will be unable to maintain this style of care for an extended time. This is because espousing care that is person centered requires constant attention and recognition of the fact that the residents are people, a concept which can be lost in the tedium of daily care.