Person-centred care and support

Person-centred care is about looking at things from the individual’s point of view. It focuses on what is important to them and what will help to make a ‘good day’.

Social care workers need to find out about the people they care for, including:

• What is important to them?
• What are the little things that make a difference?
• What are their personal preferences?
• How do they like to be treated?
• What would make a ‘good day’ for them?

Having some control over the choices we make plays an important part in maintaining feelings of well-being. Many of us take it for granted that we can choose what we want to wear, what we eat, when we go out etc. Imagine what it would be like if you relied on someone else to help you with any of your usual day-to-day activities.

Think about your own routine in the morning:

• Are you someone who leaps out of bed each morning or do you like to wake up gradually?
• What do you like for breakfast? Is it always the same? Do you prefer not to have any breakfast?
• Do you like a bath or shower in the morning? Or do you like to wash? Do you like specific products to wash your hair or body?

What might it feel like if someone made those decisions for you? How would that affect the rest of your day?

Share some of your thoughts in the Comments about why person-centred care is important, and how social care workers could ensure they work in a person-centred way.