Person-Centred Care for all Individuals with Additional Needs

Person-centred care emphasises the importance of treating individuals with additional needs as unique human beings, not solely defined by their health condition or disability.
The primary focus of person-centred care is on the individual’s personal needs, wants, desires and goals. It aims to ensure that individuals with additional needs are actively involved in planning and decision-making about their care.
It acknowledges and respects the person’s values, belief systems, personal history, and personality traits. Recognising these elements helps in providing care that is respectful of and responsive to individual preferences, needs and values.
Consistent communication and active listening are key principles of person-centred care. It considers each person’s unique forms of communication, and practitioners should always provide time and space for individuals to express themselves.
Every individual has a right to informed choice and active participation in their care. This means the individual should have involvement in decisions about their lifestyle, their healthcare and where and how their support is provided.
In person-centred care, carers engage with individuals on a deeper level to understand what is important to them. This helps in creating a complete picture of the person, enabling personalised care planning.
It focuses on developing a partnership between the individual and the carer. Through this partnership, carers continually learn about the person’s changing needs and preferences, making adjustments to the care plan as necessary.
Person-centred care does not ignore the person’s family and friends. Their understanding and knowledge of the person are valuable and are integrated into the care plan whenever appropriate.
The approach promotes empowerment, giving individuals a greater sense of control and ownership over their own lives. It recognises that everyone has strengths and potentials that can be nurtured and utilised for their own care.
In line with the principles of equality and non-discrimination, person-centred care ensures that everyone, regardless of their condition or disability, has access to the same level and quality of care.
It is mindful of an individual’s additional needs, including physical, emotional, social and cultural needs, to contribute towards their overall well-being.
Continual checking, assessment and reassessment is an integral part of this care approach. This ensures the care provided remains relevant and suited to the individual’s changing circumstances and needs.
Lastly, person-centre care is about ensuring that individuals with additional needs are treated with dignity, compassion and respect at all times.