title: Personal qualities necessary to care for people with dementia.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, England.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pulsford
authors.affiliation: University of Central Lancashire, Preston, England.
authors.forename: Joy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Duxbury
authors.affiliation: Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England.
authors.forename: Bernie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Carter
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing*; D004645:Empathy; D006801:Humans; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: attitudes; cognitive security; compassion; compassionate approach; dementia; empathy; person-centred care