Person-centred care is a term widely used in the health and social care sector, but unless you work in the care industry, you may be unsure of what it entails. In Select Healthcare homes, a person-centred care approach not only improves the quality of services we can provide but also enables residents to be directly involved in many aspects of their care. If you’re looking for a care home for your loved one, it’s beneficial to know what person-centred care is and how it impacts their care in a Select Healthcare home. 

 

What is Person-Centred Care?

In simple terms, person centred care in a care home setting is about placing the resident at the centre of their support. This means focusing on the needs and goals of the individual and ensuring care is provided in a way that supports their independence as well as their physical and emotional needs. Person-centred care ensures residents are treated as individuals and involves a multidisciplinary team of professionals as well as family members and friends. 

Person-centred care goes beyond merely providing healthcare, it takes into consideration the interests, lifestyle, goals and aspirations of your loved one. 

The Health Foundation has identified a framework comprising four main principles of person-centred care which form the basis of person-centred care planning:

 

1. Affording people dignity, compassion and respect.

2. Offering coordinated care, support or treatment.

3. Offering personalised care, support or treatment.

4. Supporting people to recognise and develop their own strengths and abilities to enable them to live an independent and fulfilling life.

 

What is a Person-Centred Plan?

A person centred care plan is a document that outlines the outcomes of collaborative care planning discussions between the resident, their team of medical professionals and their designated family members or friends. These individuals are usually the best people to assist in the creation of person-centred care plans as they are often the ones who know the resident best. The care plan will include general information about the resident such as information about their diagnosed condition, treatment plans, medication schedules and risk assessments. The person centred aspect of the plan is based on the initial discussions between the resident and their team and will provide more personalised information about the individual. This can include a resident’s likes and dislikes, their favourite activities, their goals and plans for the future. So for example, if an individual living in one of our learning disability care homes aspired to go to college or find employment, this would be included in their care plan as well as the steps for achieving this goal and methods for tracking progress like regular reviews. A person-centred care plan is not a static document and should be updated frequently where necessary. As the needs and preferences of residents change, the care plan should reflect this and the document should serve as an up-to-date guide on how to support the individual in a way that promotes their independence and well-being.

 

Why is Person-Centred Care Important in a Care Home?

Person-centred care is important because it allows people to maintain aspects of the life they had before moving into a care home. This approach promotes independence and emotional well-being as it allows residents to receive the support they need, when they need it and in a manner that suits them. Some residents may be apprehensive about telling care staff how they want to be treated for fear of feeling like a burden. Person-centred care allows residents to feel empowered and confident about making decisions regarding their lives. This type of personalised care also ensures that your loved one gets access to the right services, treatments and equipment that will make their life easier in the care home.

 

What Are The Benefits of Person-Centred Care?

One of the main benefits of person-centred care is that it makes residents feel like they are an important part of their care. Being involved in the care planning process gives residents ownership of their progress and helps them to feel motivated about working towards their goals. A person-centred approach is important for all care home residents as it helps to support their personal, social and emotional needs as well as their healthcare needs. This type of care is also beneficial to the care provider as it helps to improve the quality of the services that enhance the care home experience. Some other benefits of person-centred care include:

 

• Ensures residents receive appropriate care - When residents are involved in decision making they are more likely to receive care that aligns with their needs and long-term goals.

• Promotes greater independence - By considering a person’s strengths and desires, residents are encouraged to be more independent in the care home which can help them to be less reliant on health services. This can allow residents to build on their own life skills and stay independent for longer.

• Provides flexible options - Residents have the freedom to make decisions about their care and treatment rather than having rigid systems and routines imposed on them.

• Improved well-being - Residents are generally happier and less anxious when they are receiving care that reflects them as individuals.

• Improved Relationships - Engaging family and friends in the process fosters stronger relationships and a more supportive network.

 

What is an Example of Person-Centred Care?

To get a better understanding of what person-centred care looks like in our care homes, here is an example of person-centred care planning in action.

 

An 85-year-old woman with dementia has been living in a residential dementia care home for the past year. She has always been an avid gardener and enjoyed conversations about her favourite pastime. However, since moving into the home, she has felt disconnected from her passions and care staff have noticed a decline in her overall mood.

In a person-centred care approach, this individual’s care team has taken the time to get to know her and understand her preferences, interests and history. The team recognises that her well-being extends beyond her medical needs and is also based on emotional and social factors. This is where person-centred care plans come into play.

The care team along with the resident and her family or friends initiate a care plan that takes into consideration her love for gardening and socialising with others. The team involves friends and family who share stories from her past that help them to develop a person-centred care plan aimed at reviving her passion for gardening and boosting her social well-being. The plan includes regular garden walks where she can enjoy nature and time to tend to a small garden bed, designated for her use. She is asked for her input on the choice of plants and how to care for them. This involvement not only brings her joy but also renews her love of gardening. Additionally, the staff encourage the resident to engage in social gatherings in the communal areas of the home where she can share gardening stories with others, fostering a sense of connection and purpose.

The care team regularly assesses the resident’s physical, emotional and social well-being. If her interests or needs change, the care plan is adjusted accordingly. Over time, this type of approach can improve the resident’s well-being significantly as she becomes more engaged with her surroundings and experiences a sense of belonging within the care home.

 

This example illustrates how person-centred care goes beyond addressing the basic healthcare needs of an individual. It recognises the importance of understanding and nurturing a resident’s interests, passions and history to promote a better quality of life. 

 

Person-Centred Care in Select Healthcare Homes

 

Select Healthcare has a long history of providing holistic, person centred care in safe and secure locations across the UK. Our care homes support individuals with a range of needs including those with dementia, learning disabilities, and mental illness to name a few. By embracing a personalised approach, we can create environments in our care homes that empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives based on their unique identities and preferences. 

 

If you’d like more information about how we apply person-centred care in all of our care homes, contact our friendly team who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

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