In dementia care, person-centered care is the internationally recognized best practice. It means seeing each individual beyond their diagnosis, valuing their history and preferences, and shaping care around their identity and abilities.-
Some propose calling it “person-led care.” While this sounds progressive, it risks confusion: many people with dementia — especially in moderate and later stages — cannot reliably “lead” their own care. Shifting the language may place unrealistic expectations on residents, families, and staff, while diluting staff accountability.
The truth is, good person-centered care already includes person-led moments. Residents guide whenever they can — through choices, behaviors, or signals — and when they cannot, staff interpret, advocate, and support with dignity.
That’s why person-centered care remains the stronger, more accurate model. It balances empowerment with responsibility, works across all dementia stages, and avoids the pitfalls of empty rebranding.
Remember, person-centered care means we follow the person’s lead whenever possible — their choices, their signals, their preferences. But when they can’t lead, we don’t step back.
We step up, using what we know about their life, identity, and history to guide care.
That’s another reason why person-centered care remains the right term. It already includes the person-led moments, without burdening people with expectations they cannot meet. It balances empowerment with responsibility, ensuring that care is always dignified, safe, and meaningful.
In dementia care, person-centered care is not just best practice — it is the practical and ethical standard.
Join us for the next session of Montessori Dementia Training: Principles & Practices for Daily Connection and learn more about why person-centered care is the best practice and the practical and ethical standard.
