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Carers of people with dementia should embrace the philosophy of person-centred care and understand that social and psychological aspects of care are as important as physical care. This article discusses a three-component model that identifies the personal qualities that carers should ideally possess to deliver person-centred care to people with dementia. These qualities are empathy with the person, person-centred attitudes and a compassionate approach. The intention is that these will induce a state of cognitive security in people with dementia and enhance their sense of wellbeing. The article defines each of the personal qualities and details their component parts. It explores why person-centred care can often be difficult to achieve in practice, as well as the role of education in its promotion.

Accessible summary Staff and relative perspectives on patient aggression in dementia care units are seriously under researched in the UK., We interviewed a number of nursing staff and relatives in four UK care homes in the North West of England., Using a combined approach of one-to-one interviews (for staff) and focus groups (for relatives) we explored their views as to the reasons for and ways of responding to aggressive behaviour., Using thematic analysis we found similar results from both staff and relatives and as such their views were categorized into two broad areas: causation and management., The results indicated that staff in the participating units embraced a person-centred approach to aggression management. They predominantly respond to aggressive incidents with interpersonal strategies, such as distraction as opposed to medication or restraint., Relatives were clear in their perceptions of aggression as an interpersonal challenge, which is compounded or mediated by the illness of dementia. Consequently they were positive in their views of staff using non-coercive interventions., Abstract Staff and relative perspectives on patient aggression in dementia care units are seriously under researched in the UK. Any work that has been conducted has relied upon quantitative studies. Qualitative research on aggression management in older peoples services are rare. In-depth views that can offer insights into causation and management strategies are therefore under represented in the literature. In order to investigate this issue further we interviewed a number of nursing staff and relatives in four UK care homes in the North West of England. Using a combined approach of one-to-one interviews (for staff) and focus groups (for relatives) we explored their views as to the reasons for and ways of responding to aggressive behaviour. This was part of a larger study reported upon elsewhere. Using thematic analysis we found similar results from both staff and relatives and as such their views were categorized into two broad areas: causation and management. In regards to causation we noted three sub-themes; internal, external and interpersonal factors which are further subdivided in the paper and for management two broad categories: the compassionate approach and 'don't go in strong'. The results indicated that staff in the participating units embraced a person-centred approach to aggression management. They predominantly respond to aggressive incidents with interpersonal strategies, such as distraction as opposed to medication or restraint. Overall they adopt a person centre approach to patient care. Relatives were clear in their perceptions of aggression as an interpersonal challenge, which is compounded or mediated by the illness of dementia. Consequently they were positive in their views of staff using non-coercive interventions. While the results of this and our earlier study are promising suggesting a less invasive approach to this aspect of dementia care, given the limitations of a small sample, more research of a similar nature is warranted. Findings from multidimensional studies can then provide a sounder basis for health and social care education, and person centred informed practice to reduce the incidence of aggression through preventative strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aggression is reportedly common among older people with dementia in residential care. The attitudes of staff in care homes and strategies they use are under researched. Theoretical models that may be used to both understand and respond to such behaviour exist. They are the standard and person-centred paradigms. The aim of this study was to explore the views of nursing staff about aggressive behaviour in people with dementia and strategies used in practice. A survey of the attitudes of staff in six dementia care units using the Management of Aggression in People with Dementia Attitude Questionnaire was conducted including an audit of aggressive incidents using the Staff Observation Aggression Scale -- Revised over a 3-month period. Staff expressed views reflective of a person-centred as opposed to standard paradigm. They viewed aggressive behaviour by people with dementia as deriving from the environment, situation or interactions with others. Participants strongly supported interpersonal means of responding to aggression, the moderate use of medication, and were largely opposed to physical restraint. Aggressive incidents were managed using less intrusive strategies such as distraction and de-escalation. Responses to aggressive behaviour, while pragmatic, were largely underpinned by a person-centred ethic as reflected in the attitudes expressed by staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]