The term person-centred care is commonly used in the adult care sector, yet so often used in the wrong sense. In the context of health and social care, it is not simply about providing care: it is about making the person the centre of care choices. But what does it really mean? Even if you are new to the concept, it is very important to know the principles and values that person-centred care revolves around.
At its core, person-centred care focuses on delivering care that is respectful of and responsive to the needs, preferences, and values of the person. It’s a shift away from a one-size-fits-all approach to care and instead prioritises a personalised method where service users are treated as equal partners in their care. It’s about ensuring that they have a say in how their care is delivered and empowering them to make decisions about their own well-being.
We will discuss the concept of person-centred care, explore why it’s important, and discuss how it can be put into practice.
Person-centred care is recognising that each person is unique, with their needs, preferences, and circumstances. It’s a holistic approach that considers not just a person’s physical health but also their emotional, social, and psychological well-being. Carers work in partnership with service users, their family members, and healthcare professionals to ensure that the care provided is as unique as the person receiving it.
This approach means that service users are actively involved in decisions about their care from the start. Care plans are developed based on the person’s preferences, values, and goals, rather than simply following a standard set of procedures. In this way, care becomes a collaborative process, where the person is empowered to take control of their own health and well-being.
At the heart of person-centred care are several key values that guide the way care is provided. These values ensure that care is delivered in a way that respects the dignity, autonomy, and individuality of the service user. Let’s explore these values in more depth:
Each person has their own identity, beliefs, values, and needs. A one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work when it comes to providing care. In person-centred care, the focus is on tailoring the care to each person’s specific needs. For example, some people might prefer a quiet, peaceful environment, while others may enjoy socialising with others during their care. The care team must be adaptable and responsive to these preferences.
Every person has fundamental rights stated in The Human Rights Act 1998, including the right to safety, liberty, and equality. These rights are protected by law, and it’s the responsibility of care staff to ensure that they are upheld at all times. In practice, this means that service users should never be forced into making decisions they’re not comfortable with or be put in situations where their rights are compromised.
Privacy is a crucial element of person-centred care. Service users are entitled to privacy in all aspects of their care, whether it’s during personal care tasks or when discussing their health concerns. Personal information should only be shared with others on a need-to-know basis, and only with the service user’s consent. Ensuring that the person feels safe and secure in their care environment is key to maintaining their well-being.
Empowering people to make their own choices is a fundamental aspect of person-centred care. This involves providing service users with all the information they need to make informed decisions about their care. For example, if a person is given different options for managing a health condition, they should have the opportunity to choose the option that aligns best with their values and lifestyle. In cases where people are unable to communicate verbally, care staff should use alternative methods to ensure that their choices are still respected.
Treating someone with dignity means recognising their intrinsic worth and ensuring that their privacy, preferences, and feelings are respected at all times. This is particularly important in situations involving personal care, where the person may feel vulnerable. Care staff need to be sensitive to these situations and ensure that care is provided in a way that maintains the service user’s dignity.
Person-centred care encourages collaboration between the service user, their family, and the care team. This partnership approach ensures that everyone involved is working towards the same goal—providing the best possible care for the person. Open communication is essential in this process, allowing all parties to share their thoughts and concerns, and work together to find the most appropriate care solutions.
Respecting the person’s opinions, beliefs, and wishes is essential in person-centred care. Even if care staff or family members disagree with certain decisions, they must respect the person’s right to make those decisions. For instance, an older person might choose to forgo a certain medical treatment. While the healthcare professional may recommend the treatment, the person’s decision must be respected if they have made an informed choice.
Promoting independence is a key component of person-centred care. Service users are encouraged to do as much as they can for themselves, with the appropriate support from care staff. This might involve assisting with daily tasks, but the goal is always to help people maintain as much independence as possible.
We aren’t talking about the theory of person-centred care; we are talking about the reality, which involves behaviours and activities. The person-centred approach is about planning care in collaboration with the person receiving care and having their input listened to by all parties.
Care planning is a key element in this process. A care plan is created with the person receiving care, not for them. This means the service user is involved in planning their care outcomes, identifying the support they need, and how to get there. Care planning is ongoing and involves having the care plan reviewed and modified as needed in response to a person’s evolving needs and wants.
For example, a service user might initially require help with medication management. Over time, as they become more confident in managing their medications, they might choose to take on more responsibility in this area. The care plan would be adjusted to reflect this change, allowing the service user to have greater autonomy.
Another important aspect of the person-centred approach is the empowerment of the person. Service users are encouraged to identify their own strengths and abilities, and to take an active role in managing their health and well-being. This not only promotes independence but also enhances the person’s self-esteem and sense of control over their life.
Person-centred care is not just about delivering care; it’s about enhancing the overall quality of life for the person. By focusing on the unique needs and preferences of each person, this approach brings numerous benefits:
Person-centred care improves quality of life by ensuring care is tailored to meet the person’s needs. It helps them to be happy, relaxed and secure when care is offered that acknowledges their needs and values. This inevitably results in increased emotional health and happiness.
Research has shown that person-centred care can lead to better health outcomes. Service users are more likely to engage in healthy behaviours and follow treatment plans when they feel their needs are being met. Additionally, by promoting independence, person-centred care can help reduce the reliance on health services, leading to fewer hospital admissions and medical interventions.
The person-centred approach fosters stronger relationships between service users, care staff, and family members. By working in partnership, everyone involved has a better understanding of the person’s needs and can provide more effective support. These strong relationships are built on trust, respect, and open communication.
While person-centred care may seem more labour-intensive, it can actually lead to cost savings in the long run. By tailoring care to the person’s specific needs, unnecessary interventions can be avoided, and resources can be used more efficiently. This not only benefits the service user but also helps to reduce the strain on health services.
One of the most significant benefits of person-centred care is that it promotes autonomy. Service users are given the freedom to make decisions about their care, which empowers them to take control of their health and well-being. This can lead to better health outcomes, as people are more likely to adhere to care plans when they’ve played an active role in creating them.
Putting person-centred care into practice requires a shift in mindset. It’s not just about ticking boxes or following a set of rules; it’s about building a relationship with the service user and working together to provide the best possible care. Here are some practical ways to implement person-centred care:
Person-centred care is about putting the person at the heart of their care. It is about listening to the person's needs, respecting their preferences, and ensuring that they feel in control of their care decisions. Care providers can enhance the well-being of service users, foster stronger relationships, and improve health outcomes.
If you or a loved one are looking for compassionate, personalised care, Tiggo Care offers a range of services including home care visits, live-in care, respite care, and condition-led care. Our focus at Tiggo Care is to provide a highly person-centred care approach, which is high quality, empowering our service users and helping them live their lives more independently. We can support you whether you are a loved one’s family member looking for support, or a service user exploring your own care journey.
Contact us today to learn more about how Tiggo Care can provide the person-centred care that meets your unique needs.
Person-centred care focuses on the individual’s unique needs, preferences, and values, ensuring they are at the heart of decision-making in their care. It encourages active participation from service users, their families, and care teams, fostering collaboration to deliver the most appropriate care for each person.
Person-centred care is important because it respects the individuality of each person, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care. This approach improves satisfaction, enhances health outcomes, and fosters independence, making care more tailored, respectful, and effective for service users.
The eight person-centred values include individuality, choice, independence, dignity, respect, rights, privacy, and partnership. These values ensure that care is personalised, empowering, and respects each person's preferences, rights, and need for dignity and independence in their care experience.
Yes, Tiggo Care follows a person-centred approach. Our care plans are personalised to meet each service user’s unique needs, promoting independence, choice, and dignity. We work closely with families, carers, and healthcare professionals to ensure that every decision reflects the individual’s preferences and wellbeing.
Get in touch with Tiggo Care today to see how we can help you or your loved one.
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