Person-centred care (PCC) and dementia care strategies for staff to address responsive behaviours in clients at All Seniors Care Living Centres, Calgary

Abstract

Person-Centred Care (PCC) is the gold standard for dementia care, yet a significant gap persists between policy mandates and practical implementation at All Seniors Care Living Centres in Calgary, which serve individuals with cognitive impairments. Despite organizational policies and mandatory dementia care education for nurses and health care aides, optimal care provision remains hindered. This quality improvement project aimed to increase staff capacity in PCC and dementia care strategies to address responsive behaviours in clients with dementia. A one-hour PCC education training session was conducted at Aspen Heights Retirement Residence, one of the care sites of All Seniors Care Living Centres in Calgary, focusing on bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Findings indicate that the staff gained a new perspective on understanding the meaning behind the behaviours of clients with dementia. More comprehensive, standardized, and regular evidence-based training is vital for providing better care and improving the quality of life for individuals with cognitive impairments.