Meaning of Person-Centred Care
Person-centred care is an approach designed to put a person’s unique needs, desires and decisions at the centre of their care and support. The need for providing care that revolves around the individual’s personality and identity, rather than treating everyone alike, is rooted in the years-long experience of practising the medical model of care.
The human-based approach in person-centred care empowers people to be heard and respected, providing an equal opportunity for everyone to lead an independent and fulfilling life at home and in the community.
Value and Importance of Principles of Person-Centred Care
Person-centred care involves an active inclusion of the individual in creating their care and support plans. This means that the person plays an active role in the decision-making regarding everyday activities, daily tasks and healthcare services in general.
Person-centred care enables people to feel heard and valued, promoting their self-esteem and a sense of identity. Personalised care support is based on compassionate care, positive health behaviours and an outcome-based approach.
The personalised care approach has shown many positive outcomes for the individuals being supported and healthcare providers. Person-centred care results in:
- Better positive outcomes
- People feel happier and more satisfied with the care services
- People are actively engaged in their healthcare and welfare
- Better use of resources
- Healthcare providers thrive in a happier working environment
Principles of person-centred care should be rooted in every action and interaction performed in the person-centred approach.
Respect Towards the Individual
The first and fundamental principle of person-centred care is respecting a person’s identity and unique personality.
Regardless of their health challenges, every individual should be treated with respect towards every need, desire, or personal preference. It is an essential human right that needs to be incorporated into every person’s health care.
Respecting the individual means treating the person as a human being with their own thoughts, strengths and abilities. It is an approach based on compassion and kindness, respecting each person as an individual.
Treating People with Dignity
Receiving constant care at home can affect a person’s feeling of independence, self-esteem and dignity. The people-centred approach aims to switch from ‘helping to’ to ‘working with’ to promote a person’s self-reliance and independence as much as possible.
By respecting and fostering people’s skills, strengths and abilities, we enable people to take control of their care-related decisions and be active participants in their care journey.
Maintaining Confidentiality
Privacy and confidentiality are also fundamental part of person-centred care.
One of the main goals of health and care providers is to build a strong and trusting relationship with the individual by respecting their personal boundaries and personal space.
Maintaining privacy means communicating with the individual the information they would like to share with their family, friends, or other medical experts.
Involvement in Decisions and Respect for Preferences
People have the right to be actively involved in the decisions regarding the care plan and health services they receive.
Person-centred care helps people to take more responsibility for their own health and well-being. By respecting people’s preferences, we empower them to feel valued and heard and help them become active citizens in the community.
Attention for the Individual’s Physical and Environmental Needs
People with additional needs deserve to be treated in a safe and nurturing environment that will give them comfort and peace of mind. Person-centred care promotes physical and emotional well-being and active engagement in the community.
With coordinated care, people receive proper wound or pain management, help to perform everyday tasks, and assistance with everyday life activities. Personal care and physical activities are also integral to person-centred care principles.
Support for Family and Carers
In addition to emotional support, empathy and compassion, healthcare services need to include support for the family and caregivers of the individuals.
Healthcare providers need to be meaningful about the importance of family, friends and social circles of the people they support. Regular contact and socialisation with their loved ones are essential for a person’s emotional and mental welfare. Similarly, the family and carers of the person receiving support also need comfort and encouragement in the course of health and social care.
Effective Treatment Provided by Trusted Healthcare Professionals
Every relationship between the care professional and the person they support should be based on confidence and trust. Experienced healthcare providers can choose the best approach possible to deliver the best possible care and outcome for people.
Effective treatment involves implementing high-quality care practices aligned with a person’s needs and desires.
Unique Community Services Applies Person-Centred Care Approach
Unique Community Services is your trusted partner in delivering person-centred care and support to people with complex care needs. Our clinicians are specialised in recognising and acknowledging people’s unique needs and desires, fostering their active engagement in every part of the care journey.
From personal care to complex care and behaviour that challenges support, we provide person-centred and multi-faceted support to people with short-term and long-term needs. Our person-centred care helps people become full citizens and active participants in the community.
We train our clinicians in person-centred practices, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), and Prevention and Management of Behaviours that challenge and Aggression to ensure we deliver the highest standard of care.
We are proud to be recognised as a Great Place To Work® and Best Workplace for Well-being.
Our offices are based in Bristol and Manchester. Contact us to learn more about our unique 24/7 care at home for you or your loved one.
