Healthcare professionals working with people with dementia (PwD) have increasingly been moving away from task-oriented models of healthcare towards person-centered care (PCC). Several studies have showed positive results of PCC on quality of life of PwD. Also, it shows positive effects on self-esteem and work satisfaction of healthcare professionals (HCP).

We developed an successful practice-oriented intervention to implement PCC in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), based on the theory of Kitwood. The intervention consists of different components and learning methods:

1. 1) Management of the facility is trained. They have an important role in motivating HCPs and safeguarding PCC-policy in the future.

2. 2) Dementia Care Mapping (DCM)-observations are carried out to gain understanding of the LTCF. DCM is an evidence-based observational method and aims to give a good understanding of the quality of life of PwD.

3. 3) The training of staff starts with a Kick-off-meeting. During a ‘Mirror theater’ with professional actors, an act representing a familiar care situation is performed. Staff participates in the act to become aware of PCC. The kick-off also serves as a warming-up on PCC knowledge.

4. 4) After this, staff complete an interactive e-learning on the basic theory of PCC. The e-learning contains practical videos and exercises.

5. 5) Finally, staff follow two consecutive, practical-oriented team-trainings. They will learn what PCC means for their daily practice and how to reflect on it. The most effective part is the reflection on examples of their own clients, and get more aware of their own behavior. In between trainings, HCP will carry out a practice exercise and provide feedback in session two.

In an early stage of the intervention we discuss the possibilities and adjust the approach to the needs and situation (culture, level of knowledge etc.) of the LTCF. Involvement of all the staff in the intervention is essential, so everyone speaks the same ‘language’ and staff can rely on each other. Based on experience, these factors contributes to a sustainable way to implement PCC in LTCFs.