Harvard University Cognitive Scientists have recognized our successes.
The M.I. Care Survey and Plan™
A Science-Backed Approach to Ability-Based Care
Building on the foundation of the Preserved Abilities Method™, this section explains how the M.I. Care Survey and Plan™ is used to identify preserved abilities and apply them in real-world care.
The M.I. Care Survey and Plan™ is the structured dementia care assessment tool used within the method—helping professionals and families deliver personalized, ability-based care with clarity and consistency.
Grounded in Harvard Cognitive Research
Rooted in Harvard cognitive research on human abilities, the survey identifies each person’s preserved abilities—the strengths that often remain even as dementia progresses.
These insights are translated into practical, ability-based strategies for communication, environment, and engagement.
Beyond Identification: Applying What Remains
The focus is not just on identifying strengths—but using them effectively.
Care is guided by what the person can still do, with strategies designed to support engagement and reduce common challenges that may interfere with daily function.
Strength-Based, Compassionate Care
By shifting from a deficit-based model to one focused on preserved abilities, the Preserved Abilities Method™ empowers caregivers to deliver more meaningful, effective, and compassionate care.
How It Works — At a Glance
Step 1 — Complete the Survey
Completed by a family member: Online when provided by a professional, or within the workbook when used independently.
Step 2 — Identify Key Abilities
Focused on what remains strongest: Highlights the individual’s highest preserved abilities—revealing where engagement is most natural.
Step 3 — Explore the M.I. Care Hub™
Guided by identified strengths: Access ability-specific strategies tailored to the individual’s strongest preserved abilities.
Step 4 — Apply Ability-Based Strategies
Used in everyday care: Implement practical strategies to improve engagement, comfort, and daily success.
For more information on How It Works, see below.
How It Works — Detailed Overview
The process is simple, effective, and designed to help professionals and families put ability-based care into action.
- 1Gather Input — The Foundation for Personalized Care
The process begins with the M.I. Care Survey™, completed by a family member or someone who knows the individual best.
- – Takes about 15 minutes to complete
- – Identifies preserved abilities across key areas
- – Completed online (when provided by a professional) or in the workbook
- 2
Identify Abilities — From Input to Insight
Responses are organized into a clear profile of the individual’s strongest preserved abilities.
- – Highlights where engagement is most natural
- – Provides a simple, easy-to-understand breakdown of strengths
- – Creates a clear starting point for care decisions
- 3
Explore the M.I. Care Hub™ — Guided by Identified Strengths
The M.I. Care Hub™ provides structured, ability-based strategies aligned with the individual’s strongest preserved abilities.
- – Communication approaches tailored to how the person best connects
- – Environmental adjustments that support comfort and function
- – Activity ideas designed for success and engagement
- 4
Apply Ability-Based Strategies — Used in Everyday Care
Strategies are applied in daily routines to support meaningful engagement and improve overall care.
- – Reduces frustration and supports participation
- – Builds confidence for caregivers and professionals
- – Helps create more consistent, successful interactions
Result
Together, the Preserved Abilities Method™, the M.I. Care Survey™, and the M.I. Care Hub™ provide a clear, structured approach to delivering personalized, ability-based care.
By focusing on what remains, caregivers and professionals are able to improve engagement, reduce frustration, and support more meaningful, consistent care in everyday life.
For more information on How It Works, see below.
How It Works — Detailed Overview
The process is simple, effective, and designed to help professionals and families put ability-based care into action.
- 1Gather Input — The Foundation for Personalized Care
The process begins with the M.I. Care Survey™, completed by a family member or someone who knows the individual best.
- – Takes about 15 minutes to complete
- – Identifies preserved abilities across key areas
- – Completed online (when provided by a professional) or in the workbook
- 2
Identify Abilities — From Input to Insight
Responses are organized into a clear profile of the individual’s strongest preserved abilities.
- – Highlights where engagement is most natural
- – Provides a simple, easy-to-understand breakdown of strengths
- – Creates a clear starting point for care decisions
- 3
Explore the M.I. Care Hub™ — Guided by Identified Strengths
The M.I. Care Hub™ provides structured, ability-based strategies aligned with the individual’s strongest preserved abilities.
- – Communication approaches tailored to how the person best connects
- – Environmental adjustments that support comfort and function
- – Activity ideas designed for success and engagement
- 4
Apply Ability-Based Strategies — Used in Everyday Care
Strategies are applied in daily routines to support meaningful engagement and improve overall care.
- – Reduces frustration and supports participation
- – Builds confidence for caregivers and professionals
- – Helps create more consistent, successful interactions
Result
Together, the Preserved Abilities Method™, the M.I. Care Survey™, and the M.I. Care Hub™ provide a clear, structured approach to delivering personalized, ability-based care.
By focusing on what remains, caregivers and professionals are able to improve engagement, reduce frustration, and support more meaningful, consistent care in everyday life.