Keywords

Alzheimer's disease, dementia, person-centered care, self

 

Authors

  1. Fazio, Sam PhD

Abstract

Person-centered care is a philosophy of care that focuses on changing the traditional medical model or culture. Tom Kitwood and other pioneers in the field have made significant contributions in defining this philosophy and outlining specific care approaches related to persons with Alzheimer's disease. These shifts in care approaches are part of larger movement of changing nursing home culture, often called culture change. This article reviews the origins and fundamentals of person-centered care, highlights innovations in thinking and practice, and discusses future opportunities.