When we talk about dementia care, I believe we must move beyond simply “managing” symptoms and begin to focus on enabling people to live well, with dignity and autonomy, at every stage of their journey.

Over the years, I’ve seen how much of a difference it makes when we look at dementia through a person-centred lens: one that values ability, individuality, and connection over limitation or loss. My goal has always been to help caregivers, professionals, and organisations reframe dementia care from one of dependence to one of empowerment.

A Global Movement Rooted in Dignity and Rights

Across the world, the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan (2017–2025) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are reminding us that dementia is not just a health issue, it’s a human rights issue.

Every person living with dementia has the right to safety, inclusion, and respect. For me, this means ensuring that local care practices reflect these global commitments that what happens in someone’s home, care setting, or community truly upholds their dignity and wellbeing.

When we align our actions with these principles, we move toward a more compassionate, equitable system of care.

Safeguarding Is Everyone’s Responsibility

People living with dementia are often more at risk to abuse, neglect, and exploitation, sometimes unintentionally, due to lack of awareness or understanding. Safeguarding, therefore, must be more than a policy on paper; it must be embedded into the culture of every organisation and household providing care.

That means:

• Ensuring everyone involved understands how to recognise and report safeguarding concerns.
  
• Having clear, transparent systems for accountability.
  
• Fostering an environment where people feel safe to speak up without fear of reprisal.

Safeguarding is not about blame; it’s about protecting rights and promoting trust.

Reablement: Focusing on What People Can Do

One of the most transformative shifts in dementia care is the concept of reablement. Instead of focusing on what a person can no longer do, we support them to maintain their skills, routines, and independence for as long as possible.

Reablement allows people to remain in their own homes, continue familiar activities, and feel a sense of purpose. Whether it’s helping someone prepare a meal, tend a garden, or simply participate in their daily rituals, these small acts of independence preserve dignity and meaning.

Understanding Behaviours That Challenge

Many caregivers find it difficult when a person living with dementia has behaviours that challenge; perhaps reluctant to wash, dress, or eat. What I’ve learned is that these behaviours are rarely acts of defiance. They are expressions of unmet needs or emotional distress.

When we take time to understand the person’s perspective, everything changes.

• We can recognise triggers that cause anxiety or confusion.
  
• We can use gentle persuasion and familiar routines to restore calm.
  
• We can design environments that feel safe, soothing, and predictable.
  

The key is empathy, listening beyond words and responding with patience and understanding.

Creating Meaningful, Person-Led Activities

Meaningful activity is essential to wellbeing. Whether it’s music, gardening, storytelling, or art, activities should reflect a person’s unique interests and history.

When we co-create experiences with the person rather than for them, something powerful happens:

• Memory is stimulated.
  
• Agitation decreases.
  
• A sense of self and purpose is preserved.
  

Person-led activities remind us that every individual still has something to offer, to share, and to experience regardless of diagnosis.

Navigating the Complexities of Care

One of the most common frustrations I hear from families and professionals alike is how difficult it can be to navigate fragmented care systems. Between health services, social care, and community support, people often feel lost in the process.

We need clearer pathways, better communication, and truly integrated systems that put the person and their family at the centre. Coordination should ease the burden not add to it.

A Call to Lead with Compassion

To truly enable people living with dementia, we must create care systems that are not just clinically sound, but emotionally intelligent. Every interaction, policy, and decision must begin with a simple question:

“Is this approach helping this person live with dignity, autonomy, and joy?”

That is the heart of person-centred care. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what matters most, with empathy and respect.

If your organisation is working to strengthen its approach to dementia care or improve support for caregivers, I’d love to explore how we can help. Together, we can build systems that truly enable people not just care for them.

Book a free discovery call to discuss how our consultancy and training can support your team in delivering compassionate, person-led dementia care.

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