Jessica McGreevy explores the viability of applying person-centred care to people with dementia to go beyond a purely biomedical approach and maximise their wellbeing

Approaches to care that focus solely on biomedical needs are still rife in dementia; however, a person-centred approach is emerging that focuses on ‘seeing the person’. This article explores the literature on person-centred dementia care to determine if it is an ideal rather than a reality. The background to the development of person-centred care is presented with reference to policies in place in the UK. Using the setting of long-term care, the journey of people with dementia is explored at diagnosis, living well and end of life.