Knowing the person is key to creating a positive dementia respite care experience. It involves developing skills to build rapport and trust, and gaining a deep understanding of someone’s needs, preferences, values, and their connections to family and community. This approach supports the delivery of high-quality culturally sensitive and person-centred care.

By completing this module, it is anticipated that you will be able to:

• describe what is meant by “knowing the person”
• recognise the impact of getting to know the person in care
• identify communication approaches that can be used for getting to know the person
• recall key principles that underpin knowing the person