Person-centred Values
Care and support must fit the individual, rather than the individual being made to fit existing routines or ways of doing things.
This is known as person-centred working.
Person-centred values are the guiding principles that help to put the interests of the individual receiving care or support at the centre of everything we do.
Person-centred values are there to give the individual you care for the confidence, voice and power to speak out on their own behalf and to feel in control of their actions.
Each person has their own identity, needs, wishes, choices, beliefs and values.
'One size fits all’ does not work when it comes to providing care and support.
Each individual should be supported to make choices about their care and support. They should be given information in a way that they can understand so they can make informed choices.
When working with individuals who cannot express their wants, needs and wishes in words, you must find other ways of communicating.
Additional training and supervision can help you to develop these skills.
Promoting an individual’s independence means to look at what they can do for themselves and empowering them to do as much as possible for themselves. It does not mean leaving someone to cope alone but agreeing the support they need and want.
The Human Rights Act 1998 is the main legislation that sets out the rights of people in the UK.
You have the right to speak your mind and be kept safe from harm, as well as the right to respect, dignity and equality.
You should make sure an individual’s rights are respected, not only by yourself but by other people involved in their care.
Everyone has a right to private space and time when they need it.
Privacy affects how and where care and support is given, especially when it involves personal hygiene or intimate procedures.
Privacy includes not talking to anyone about the individual’s private information unless they give permission and it is on a need-to-know basis to improve their care and support.
Treating somebody in a dignified way means to treat someone with respect, valuing their individuality and their ethical and moral beliefs.
In order to provide dignified care you need to have an open and positive attitude. Take time to do things their way, don’t make assumptions about how they want to be treated and be aware of how personal care may affect their dignity.
Respecting someone means believing and showing that they have importance as an individual. It means that they have their own opinions and feelings and that even though you may not agree with them, you do respect them.
You work in partnership when you involve the individual and their family and work alongside other workers.
The key to a successful partnership is good communication and trust; valuing and respecting what others have to say.
Person-centred values work together and none stand alone. For example, independence is associated with individuality and choice and choice is closely linked to dignity and respect.
All these values are there to give the person power to speak up and take as much control as possible in order to live a fulfilled life.
Person-centred care
Person-centred care is about discovering and acting upon what is important to the individual and what means the most to them in their lives.
What are the priorities of person-centred care?
Select the image to reveal the answer.
In health organisations the delivery of person-centred care focuses on three main priorities:
Compassion, dignity and respect - these values are essential when involving people in their own care
Shared decision making - this sees individuals as equal partners in their healthcare
Public involvement - this involves people in decisions about the design and delivery of services, for example by involving communities in making decisions about services that will be provided
To provide the best care and support you will need to find out what you can about the individual you are caring for. This will vary depending on your workplace.
What do you need to know about an individual in order to support them and how would you gather the information?
What are your thoughts? have a think and then click the pencil for further details.
You can help by ensuring:
They have as much information as possible about their choices
Carry out a risk assessment
Consider the individual's wellbeing as your main priority
Ask your manager or other sources if you are unsure about the situation
Look at issues about their capability (‘capacity’) to make decisions for themselves
Reflection
This question requires you to think about your answer. When you have done so, select the examples button below.
How does a person-centred approach to care promote dignity?
Examples include:
Individuality
Independence
Privacy
Partnership
Choice
Dignity
Respect
Rights
