Application of the Person-Centered Care to Manage Responsive Behaviors in Clients with Major Neurocognitive Disorders: A Qualitative Single Case Study

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 environment, 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 meaningful 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.