When we first met Margaret, an 82-year-old woman with Alzheimer's
disease, she was withdrawn and anxious. Her daughter was exhausted
from trying to care for her while working full-time. Margaret had been
refusing to eat, wouldn't let anyone help her shower, and was
wandering at night.
We matched Margaret with Helen, a carer with 15 years' experience in
dementia care. Helen didn't rush in with a rigid care plan. Instead,
she spent the first week just getting to know Margaret—learning that
she used to be a teacher, loved gardening, and had a passion for old
musicals.
Helen started playing Margaret's favorite songs from "The Sound of
Music" during mealtimes. She introduced gentle gardening activities in
the afternoons. When Margaret got confused or agitated, Helen used
validation techniques, never correcting or arguing, just providing
reassurance.
Within a month, Margaret was eating regular meals, participating in
activities, and sleeping through the night. Her daughter said it was
like getting her mum back. "Helen doesn't just care for Mum," she told
us, "she understands her."
This is what person-centered dementia care looks like. It's not
about control—it's about connection, compassion, and maintaining
dignity.