Application of the person-centered care to manage responsive behaviors in clients with major neurocognitive disorders : a qualitative single case study

Abstract

Objectives: Our study aimed to describe “how” and “why” the person-centered care (PCC) approach was applied within a long-term care (LTC) community to manage responsive behaviors (RBs) in individuals with major neurocognitive disorders.Methods: A descriptive holistic single case study design was employed in the context of an LTC community in Quebec, using semi-structured interviews and non-participatory observations of experienced care providers working with clients with RBs, photographing the physical environ-ment, and accessing documents available on the LTC community’s public website. A thematic content analysis was used for data analysis.Results: The findings generated insight into the importance of considering multiple components of the LTC community to apply the PCC approach for managing RBs, including a) creating a homelike environment, b) developing a therapeutic relationship with clients, c) engaging clients in mean-ingful activities, and d) empowering care providers by offering essential resources.Conclusions: Applying and implementing the PCC approach within an LTC community to manage clients’ RBs is a long-term multi-dimensional process that requires a solid foundation.Clinical implications: These findings highlight the importance of considering multiple factors relevant to persons, environments, and meaningful activities to apply the PCC approach within LTC communities to manage RBs.