Person-centered care is primarily focused on which of the following?

Person-centered care is fundamentally about recognizing and addressing the unique needs, preferences, and values of individuals, particularly those with dementia. The approach emphasizes treating residents as complete individuals, rather than merely as patients or cases. This means understanding their life history, personal preferences, and social connections, which are vital for enhancing their quality of life.

Focusing on the resident as a whole person allows caregivers to develop more meaningful relationships and provide care that truly reflects the individual's desires and needs. This individualized approach can lead to better emotional, psychological, and physical outcomes for residents, because it fosters a sense of dignity and respect that is crucial in dementia care.

In contrast, maximizing the use of medication or reinforcing institutional rules fails to consider the individual’s unique personality and life experiences, reducing them to just their symptoms or requirements of the institution. Likewise, minimizing interactions with residents is counterproductive to the essence of person-centered care, which thrives on connection, engagement, and understanding. The ideal approach is to embrace the complexity and individuality of each person, promoting a supportive environment that enriches their experience.