Person-centred care for people with learning disabilities: the application of Kitwood’s theory

Abstract

Tom Kitwood’s conceptual approach has been widely used to provide person-centred care for people living with dementia, but has not previously been explored in relation to people with learning disabilities. This article discusses how Kitwood’s ideas about the common behaviours by healthcare staff that undermine a person’s well-being – malignant social psychology – are also found when working and interacting with people who have learning disabilities. The authors outline how adapting malignant behaviours and interactions to be more person-centred can improve relationships, self-value and worth for people with learning disabilities.