What Is Person-Centered Care?

Short answer: It’s an approach that puts the person before the disease. In dementia settings, that means care plans, daily routines, and environments are built around the individual’s history, preferences, and emotions—not just around symptoms or tasks. This philosophy was pioneered by Tom Kitwood and is now considered best practice across quality memory care.

Where the idea comes from (Tom Kitwood)

Tom Kitwood, the British psychologist who pioneered the concept of person-centered dementia care.

Tom Kitwood reframed dementia care by focusing on personhood—the enduring value, identity, and dignity of the individual. He highlighted six psychological needs that, when met, increase well-being and reduce distress:

• Love — feeling valued and accepted

• Comfort — feeling safe and soothed

• Inclusion — belonging to a group and daily life

• Identity — being known as a unique individual

• Occupation (Purpose) — having meaningful things to do

• Attachment — reliable, trusting relationships

How Person Centered Dementia Care differs from traditional care

Tom Kitwood on Dementia – A Reader and Critical Commentary

As outlines in Dr. Kitwood's book "On Dementia" There are several key tenants:

• From routines to personalization: Wake-up times, meals, activities, and therapies flex to the person—rather than forcing the person to fit the timetable.

• From task lists to relationships: Medication and safety still matter, but staff success is also measured by comfort, joy, and engagement.

• From clinical to homelike: Spaces feel like home, with familiar objects and choices throughout the day.

• From “visitor” to “partner”: Families are invited into planning and everyday life, not kept at arm’s length.

Person-centered care at VivoCare

VivoCare blends Western clinical standards with the warmth of Thai culture—a Thai-Swiss fusion that many families describe as the best of both worlds in dementia care Thailand.

What this looks like day to day:

• Personal life stories inform each care plan—music from someone’s youth, favorite foods, faith traditions, hobbies.

• Consistent caregiving teams build trust (Attachment) and reduce anxiety.

• Calming environments and therapeutic touch support Comfort; Thai hospitality shines in daily rituals and kindness.

• Meaningful occupation is tailored: gardening, bread-making, sketching, light household tasks—whatever gives a sense of purpose.

• Community and inclusion: Small-group activities, family video calls, and celebrations keep people connected.

• Identity honored: Rooms can be personalized with photos and mementos; staff use preferred names and routines.

Benefits for your loved one—and for you

• Fewer distress behaviors, more calm

• Better engagement and appetite

• Improved sleep and day–night rhythm

• Families feel like partners, not outsiders

Is this approach affordable?

For many families comparing global options, affordable dementia care abroad can unlock higher staffing consistency and more one-to-one time. Chiang Mai’s cost of living helps VivoCare deliver high-touch, person-centered support that families often struggle to find back home—while maintaining transparent pricing.

Quick checklist when evaluating quality of Memory Care

• Do they use life story interviews and personalize daily routines?

• Are Kitwood’s six needs visible in programming and staff training?

• Is there staff continuity (same faces, reliable relationships)?

• Are families invited into planning, visits, and video calls without friction?

• Do residents look calm, engaged, and comfortable?

Next step: If person-centered dementia care is what you want for your loved one, speak with our team about how we’ll personalize a plan from day one—and how we help families relocate smoothly to Chiang Mai.