As a healthcare recruiter focusing on care homes, Cucumber Recruitment knows that high standards of care lead to happier residents and staff. A core philosophy underpinning quality aged care services is person-centred care. This approach keeps the individual at the heart of all decisions, catering to their unique needs, preferences and aspirations. For jobseekers evaluating care roles, understanding person-centred care will help assess if a home aligns with their values. Care staff embracing this ethos find their work more rewarding. Let’s overview what person-centred care entails and why it matters:
Putting the Person First
Person-centred care contrasts medical or institutional models by focusing on the whole person, not just physical health needs. It recognises each resident’s individual interests, desires, motivations and relationships. Care plans are tailored around what matters most to the individual. Rather than rigid schedules, daily rhythms flexibly match personal choice. From menu options to activities to sleep patterns, the aim is nurturing wellbeing on the resident’s own terms.
Collaborative Care Planning
Person-centred care adopts a team approach across staff, the individual, and their loved ones. The resident directs decisions, with guidance from professionals and relatives when needed. Regular care conferences allow reviewing of care objectives and preferences together. Staff proactively listen and observe to identify any changes required. Open communication channels enable residents to make their needs known. The aim is collaborative care flexible to the individual’s evolving priorities.
Supporting Identity and Worth
Relationships and positive interactions are prioritised along with physical tasks. There is a consistent effort to honour the resident’s identity, humanity and dignity. Staff nurture self-esteem through genuine compliments, encouragement to do things for themselves, and simple efforts like using preferred names. Respecting privacy, modesty and personal space shows value. Reassurance from familiar faces builds confidence. Activities reflect lifelong interests to maintain connections. The aim is to enrich self-worth.
Enabling Choice and Control
Person-centred care avoids rigid routines by offering meaningful choices each day. Staff may present two outfit options or meal choices, or ask when the individual would prefer to bathe. Activity calendars allow advance selection. Snack stations provide autonomy over when and what to eat. Flexibility enables residents to exert control over daily life, boosting engagement and positive mindsets. Staff ensure choices are safe and realistic within capabilities.
Creating Community and Belonging
Care homes aim to cultivate an inclusive community, countering isolation. Group activities like cooking, crafts, and gardening encourage social bonds between residents. Staff engage meaningfully, not just executing tasks. Communal dining, games and events nurture a sense of togetherness. Reminiscing sessions share memories. There is frequent praise and celebration of achievements to reinforce belonging. The aim is a supportive extended family.
For care seekers considering roles, look for homes truly putting these person-centred values into practice in policies and day-to-day operations. For staff, embracing this collaborative, compassionate ethos makes care work all the more meaningful. At its best, person-centred care enables residents to happily maintain valued elements of their identity and live joyfully on their own terms.
