What is it?
In the context of caring for people with dementia , the Gentlecare® Model - developed by Moyra Jones - represents an advanced methodology aimed at offering a person-centred care model , which values the person's residual resources, life history and global well-being rather than solely the control of symptoms.According to Gentlecare, quality of life arises from the harmonious balance between Person – Environment – Care.
These three elements must work together to compensate for lost skills and enhance the remaining ones.
When a facility obtains Gentlecare® certification , it means it has systematically and verifiably implemented the model's structural, organizational, and managerial requirements, raising standards of care, hospitality, and quality of life for people with dementia.
Key points
The Person
In the Gentlecare model, the person is never defined by dementia, but by his or her history, identity, and remaining capabilities.The key principles:
- Enhancement of residual abilities: each person retains emotional and gestural skills that must be recognized and supported.
- Biography as a healing tool : knowing preferences, habits, and significant activities creates continuity and security.
- Centrality of emotion: even when cognitive functions deteriorate, the emotional dimension remains alive and must be welcomed.
- Respect for individual rhythms : don't force, don't rush; treatment proceeds with the person, not "on" them.
The Environment
For Gentlecare, the environment is not a backdrop, but an active part of the care process.A well-designed environment compensates for lost skills and reduces stress, agitation, and the risk of disorganized behavior.
Its main characteristics:
- Orientable and legible : clear spaces, simple visual signals, recognizable paths.
- Safe but not restrictive: protection without taking away freedom and autonomy.
- Domestic and familiar : personal objects, warm atmospheres, natural materials.
- Stimulating but not overloading : noise, clutter, and visual excesses that increase confusion are avoided.
- Autonomy facilitator : chairs with armrests, adequate lighting, contrasting colors to make everything simpler and more accessible.
The Care and Assistance System
The third pillar is the care system, that is, the organization of activities, professionals, and family members around the person's well-being.Care must be structured, predictable, and collaborative.
The key elements:
- Stabilizing routines: consistent daily rhythms that provide security.
- Meaningful activities: not “time-consuming,” but creating experiences that recall familiar skills (cooking, folding, caring for plants, etc.).
- Active role of the caregiver: the empathic relationship is the true non-pharmacological medicine.
- Interdisciplinary team: operators, doctors, psychologists and family members work as a single network.
- Adapted communication: simple language, reassuring tone, non-verbal contact when necessary.
Advantages
The main advantages of a Gentlecare® certified facility:- Higher quality of care : A personalized, person-centered approach enables a more dignified and meaningful experience for those living with dementia.
- Reduction of stress and behavioral problems: by adapting the environment and activities, a more serene and less conflictual climate is fostered.
- Facility enhancement : Gentlecare® certification represents a distinctive element, which communicates attention, competence and innovation towards users, families and stakeholders.
- Caregiver involvement and family integration : the model promotes the alliance between the facility, the individual, and the family, making the care process more comprehensive and sustainable.
Why choose CSQA for Gentlecare® certification
CSQA , as a publicly controlled Italian certification body, has specific expertise and experience in healthcare and assistance models.CSQA certification is not just a "stamp," but a truly strategic tool for improving the quality of care for people with dementia, their dignity, the well-being of their families, and the facility's reputation.