The Four Key Rules of Person-Centred Planning
We all live our lives by our own set of values and they are the backbone of who we are.
Our beliefs and ideas form our values and that makes us behave in a certain way. Our values have been embedded within us from childhood and our background, family, culture and religion or lack of it; play a big part in who we are. This is the core rationale behind person-centred care.
The person-centred approach concentrates on the holistic needs of the individual and not the service. It revolves around everyone who is involved in doing their best to carry out the wishes of the individual.
Why should we care in a person-centred way?
Working in a person-centred way maintains an individual’s identity and self-esteem, and improves their wellbeing.
Putting people at the centre of their care will:
- help people get the care they need, when they need it
- help people be more active in looking after themselves
Person-centred care also has many other benefits such as it:
- encourages people to lead a healthier lifestyle, such as exercising or eating healthily
- encourages people to be more involved in decisions about their care so they get services and support that are appropriate for their needs
- impacts on an individual’s health outcomes.
Person-centred planning involves:
- putting the individual at the centre and getting to know the patient as a person (recognising their individuality)
- taking a holistic approach to assessing people’s needs and providing care
- making sure family members and friends are consulted and included
Four key rules of person centred planning
- The belief that an individual can plan for themselves.
The focus needs to be on their strengths and abilities; for example, an individual who wants to make their own decision about which mobility aids they use to support them to walk short distances, rather than use their wheelchair.
- The care plan is written in the first person to make clear that it is the individual who owns it.
For example ‘I would like to try a walking frame when I am moving around the house and for short distances outside, rather than using my wheelchair’.
- The individual has as much control as possible over the choices they can make.
For example, the individual is supported to try to use the walking frame.
- The plan is there to make the individual’s life better, not to fit them into an existing service.
For example, the frame is sourced that is best for them within the resources available or they are able to find a frame from somewhere else if necessary.
Promoting person-centred values cuts down the risk of negative, unfair or harmful treatment and neglect. The individual/advocate is put at the centre, able to choose and control how they want their care and support to be.
The above information is an extract from our Person-Centred Care Approaches course, part of the EduCare for Health and Social Care training course package. If you would like to know more about our training courses please call us on 01926 436 211 or get in touch via our contact form.
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