Person-centered care in dementia is gradually becoming an internationally recognized best-practice model and is recommended by many policies and practice guidelines. However, it is often considered that this care model is much less cost-effective than previous efficiency-focused solutions. Thus, although no one would want to admit that they do not want improvement in care quality, person-centered solutions are often hindered by their alleged unprofitability. 

At Minnity, we see person-centered care as a model that improves care efficiency in the long run, and we know that an investment in offering a truly person-centered approach yields multiple benefits, supported by research. How is that possible?

Firstly, working in a person-centered way not only lowers depression rates among the caretakers, but also reduces caretaker agitation and aggression, which results in better care management and time savings. 

Secondly, with proper focus on the person and their unique needs and preferences, we can reduce the number of hospitalisations and psychotropic medication, which directly lowers care costs.

Thirdly, research shows that in residential units where person-centered care is introduced, the staff experiences less stress and burnout and higher satisfaction rates. This is a strong argument for the financial benefit of person-centered care as staff turnover is particularly high in the social care sector.

In practice, person-centered care means developing a relationship with those you care for, and requires better knowledge of the person and their unique life circumstances and individual preferences. This is also why Minnity creates intuitive, quick to use digital solutions that help you understand the people you care for and develop your person-centered care skills.

Check out our full report to learn more about a person-centered approach.

Read more:

https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1002500

https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/58/suppl_1/S10/4816735

https://www.dovepress.com/effectiveness-of-person-centered-care-on-people-with-dementia-a-system-peer-reviewed-article-CIA