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 why it is an important part of 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 your loved one is treated as an individual and involves a multidisciplinary team of professionals as well as family members and friends. 

 

Principles of Person-Centred Care

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.

 

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

Person-centred care in a care home is important because it allows your loved one to maintain aspects of the life they had before moving into a care home. Many families and friends may be concerned that their person may lose their independence or feel unheard when they move 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 those in a care home 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 will make your loved one 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 their 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 your loved one to build on their 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.

 

Person-Centred Care in Select Healthcare Homes

In a Select Healthcare home, person-centred care can look different for each person. From creating a personalised care plan to considering a resident's preferred wake-up time, having a person-centred care approach can also include many aspects like allowing residents to choose their meals from options, or incorporating their hobbies into daily activities. This approach respects their individuality and empowers them to make choices, like deciding on their clothing or participating in planning their care goals.

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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