How would you describe person-centred care?

According to the World Health Organization, person-centred care is a crucial component for meeting the evolving needs of an aging population. But what does this approach truly entail? At its core, person-centred care places the individual, not their condition, at the heart of all care decisions, fostering a more compassionate and effective experience.

Quick Summary

Person-centred care is a holistic approach that places the individual's unique needs, values, and preferences at the center of their care plan. This approach focuses on seeing the whole person, building a respectful partnership between caregivers and the individual, and adapting care dynamically to enhance dignity, autonomy, and overall well-being, rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all model.

Key Points

• Holistic Focus: Person-centred care views the individual as a whole person, prioritizing their unique history, preferences, and values over just their medical condition.

• Partnership and Autonomy: It creates a collaborative relationship between the care recipient and caregivers, empowering the individual to be an active participant in their own care and decision-making.

• Tailored Care Plans: Unlike standardized care, this model uses individualized plans that are flexible and adapt to a person's changing needs and desires over time.

• Enhanced Well-being: Studies show that people who receive person-centred care report higher satisfaction and better psychological well-being, including reduced agitation and depression, particularly for those with dementia.

• Dignity and Respect: A core principle is treating the individual with dignity and respect, actively listening to their input, and honoring their choices.

• Environmental Adaptation: It includes modifying routines and the physical environment to be more personal, homelike, and supportive of the individual's needs.

Defining the shift from 'task-oriented' to 'person-first'

Traditional healthcare models often focus on managing medical conditions and performing tasks efficiently, which can inadvertently cause individuals to feel like passive recipients of care. In contrast, person-centred care represents a paradigm shift, focusing on the human being with their unique life story, routines, and preferences. This philosophical shift moves beyond mere compliance to a model of partnership, engagement, and shared decision-making.

The core principles that guide person-centred care

This holistic care model is built upon a set of foundational principles that ensure the individual's voice and identity are always at the forefront. These principles provide a framework for a more respectful and responsive caregiving experience:

• Dignity and respect: Every individual has value, and their beliefs, feelings, and opinions must be treated with respect. This involves listening attentively and avoiding any form of paternalism or condescension.
• Personalization: Care plans are not standardized but are uniquely tailored to each person. This includes considering their personal history, hobbies, and social connections, and not just their medical diagnosis.
• Empowerment and autonomy: Individuals are encouraged to make their own choices and participate actively in their care planning. This empowers them to maintain a sense of control and independence, leading to better outcomes.
• Relationships built on trust: Effective person-centred care depends on a strong, trusting relationship between the care recipient and their caregivers. Care staff are encouraged to see the person as a whole, not just as a condition to be managed.
• Coordinated and integrated care: Person-centred care ensures that all aspects of a person’s well-being—physical, emotional, and social—are addressed. All care providers and services are coordinated to deliver seamless and transparent support.

Practical examples in a senior care setting

To truly understand person-centred care, it helps to see it in action. Here are a few practical examples of how these principles translate into daily routines:

• Flexible routines: Instead of a rigid, facility-dictated schedule, a senior may choose when to wake up, eat meals, or go to bed, reflecting their lifelong habits.
• Personalized activities: Rather than a generic group activity, an individual who once loved gardening might be given a small indoor garden to tend, or someone who enjoys music might be provided with personalized music therapy sessions.
• Involving family: Family members are not just visitors but partners in care. They are actively involved in care planning and encouraged to share their loved one's life story, preferences, and cultural traditions.
• Choice at mealtimes: Offering a choice of meals, including familiar comfort foods, can honor an individual's past preferences and make mealtimes a more enjoyable experience.

Person-centred care in dementia management

This approach is particularly transformative for individuals with dementia. It moves the focus from managing challenging behaviors to understanding the unmet needs that may be causing them. By focusing on validation, empathy, and creating a supportive environment, caregivers can significantly reduce agitation, anxiety, and depression. For example, a caregiver might engage a person who believes they are in a different time period by validating their feelings and reminiscing about that memory, rather than correcting them. This approach honors their reality and maintains a positive connection.

Comparison: Person-centred care vs. traditional care

Feature	Person-Centred Care	Traditional Care (Task-Oriented)
Focus	The individual's holistic well-being, including emotional, social, and physical needs.	The medical condition, diagnosis, and deficits of the individual.
Planning	Individualized care plans based on personal history, values, and preferences.	Standardized assessments and protocols based on efficiency.
Decision-Making	Collaborative process where the individual and their family are active partners.	Centralized, with most decisions made by medical professionals or staff.
Routine	Flexible and adapts to the individual's preferences and desires.	Rigid and follows facility schedules and staff convenience.
Staff Role	Relationship-centered, building trust and getting to know the person.	Task-oriented, focusing on completing duties for multiple individuals.
Environment	Personalized and homelike, promoting a sense of comfort and belonging.	Often institutional and standardized for functionality.
Key Outcome	Enhanced quality of life, dignity, and satisfaction.	Focus on quality of treatment as defined by professional standards.

The positive impact on outcomes and well-being

Research consistently shows that person-centred care leads to a host of positive outcomes for older adults, particularly in their psychological and emotional well-being. Individuals who feel respected and involved in their care experience are more likely to have better health outcomes, higher satisfaction, and a lower risk of depression. By promoting greater independence and personal engagement, this approach can reduce feelings of loneliness and boredom that often accompany a loss of autonomy. For care providers, implementing a person-centred culture can also lead to increased job satisfaction and lower staff turnover, creating a more positive and stable environment for everyone.

Implementing person-centred care

For senior living communities and caregivers, transitioning to a person-centred model requires a cultural shift, not just a procedural one. This begins with comprehensive training for staff that emphasizes active listening, empathy, and the importance of relationship-building. It also involves adapting administrative processes, from assessments to care planning, to genuinely involve the resident and their family. For families, advocating for this approach involves asking questions about care philosophies and ensuring that personal preferences are documented and respected. Resources like the American Academy of Family Physicians offer guidance on patient-centered communication techniques for healthcare professionals, which is foundational to this model.

Conclusion

Ultimately, describing person-centred care is to describe an approach rooted in respect, dignity, and individual empowerment. It is an evolving model that adapts to a person's changing needs and desires, focusing on their strengths and abilities rather than their limitations. By seeing the individual as a partner in their own care, this philosophy doesn't just improve health outcomes; it enriches lives, restores purpose, and ensures a more meaningful aging journey for everyone involved. It is a fundamental shift that affirms the value and unique identity of every person, especially as they navigate the later stages of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between person-centred care and traditional care?

The main difference is the focus. Traditional care is often 'task-oriented,' focusing on a patient's diagnosis and completing medical procedures. Person-centred care is 'person-first,' concentrating on the individual's overall well-being, including their values, preferences, and personal history, to create a holistic care experience.

Does person-centred care only apply to seniors?

While often discussed in the context of senior and dementia care, the principles of person-centred care—such as respect, dignity, and autonomy—can be applied to people of all ages and across various healthcare settings. It's a philosophy, not just a service for one age group.

How does person-centred care benefit individuals with dementia?

For those with dementia, this approach is particularly beneficial as it moves away from managing behaviors and instead focuses on understanding the underlying needs causing distress. By validating feelings and creating a predictable, empathetic environment, it can significantly reduce anxiety and agitation.

How can families get involved in person-centred care?

Families are crucial partners. They can get involved by sharing their loved one’s life story, routines, and preferences with caregivers. They should also participate in care planning meetings to ensure their loved one’s voice and values are respected throughout the process.

Is person-centred care more expensive?

While implementation requires a cultural shift and staff training, some studies have found person-centred care to be cost-effective in the long run. By improving patient outcomes and satisfaction, it can reduce expensive healthcare interventions and re-hospitalizations.

What role does staff training play in person-centred care?

Staff training is essential. It moves caregivers from a mindset of following rigid tasks to one of empathy, active listening, and relationship-building. Proper training empowers staff to build trust with residents and adapt to their individual needs effectively.

Can person-centred care work in a large facility?

Yes. While it might seem easier in a small setting, person-centred care can be implemented in larger facilities through systemic changes. This includes consistent staffing assignments, personalized spaces, and communication systems that prioritize individual preferences across the entire care team.