Person centredness and person-centred practice

What is personalisation?

The Social Care Institute for Excellence defines personalisation as recognising people as individuals with strengths and preferences, and then putting those at the centre of their care and support.

What is person-centred care?

Person-centred care means you have a say, choice, and control over planning and delivering your care. It focuses on what matters to you – your individual strengths and needs. Health and social care professionals work collaboratively with you to deliver this care. Services are tailored to support your priorities. This empowers you to make informed choices, manage your health effectively, and live as independently as possible through personalised and coordinated support. While your desires, values, family, social circumstances, and lifestyle are all important, person-centred care fundamentally recognises you as an individual. It also ensures continuity of care between and within services, and guarantees access to appropriate care when you need it.

Why is person-centred care important?

For you: Person-centred care puts you at the heart of your health and care journey. It equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions and helps you define and achieve your personal health and wellbeing goals. This approach helps you maintain your independence, dignity, and quality of life, empowering you to make choices about your care and live life on your own terms, in the comfort of your own home.

For health and social care professionals: Person-centred care means understanding each person’s unique needs and preferences. It requires providing comprehensive information about their care, including treatment options, risks, benefits, and self-management strategies.

What does person-centred care look like?

Person-centred care respects your individuality and choices in many ways, including:

• Daily routines: Do you prefer to wake up later or go to bed later? Do you have specific routines you like to follow? Person-centred care respects these preferences and avoids rigid schedules.
• Meal preferences: Instead of a set menu, you choose what you want to eat, when you want to eat, and even where you want to eat (e.g., in the dining room, your own room, or even in the garden.)
• Personal care: You choose how you want support with personal care tasks, such as bathing and dressing, and are treated with dignity and respect at all times.
• Activities and hobbies: Carers encourage and support you to continue pursuing your hobbies and interests, whether it’s gardening, painting, reading, or going to the cinema.

A proactive approach promotes independence and well -being through several key strategies:

• Assistive Devices: Tools and equipment empower individuals to maintain their independence. These might include grab rails for safety, walking aids for mobility, or adapted cutlery for easier mealtimes.
• Skill Development: Individuals learn new skills or regain abilities they may have lost. This could involve anything from cooking and dressing to using technology, all aimed at fostering greater self-sufficiency.
• Social Connections: Social interaction and community involvement are vital. Family and friends visit, and individuals participate in local groups and activities, staying connected and engaged.
• Emotional Support: A compassionate and supportive environment is provided. Caregivers listen, offer companionship, and help individuals manage their emotions and mental well-being, recognising the importance of holistic care.

Click here to see a vibrant example of person-centred care case study, where the individual’s unique needs, preferences, and values are not just considered, but truly drive the care plan.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

At Cavendish Homecare, we provide private homecare for people who need additional support in their own home. If you are looking for homecare services, contact us or email us at info@cavendishhomecare.com.

Our team of nurses and carers is equipped to provide comprehensive person centred care to clients based in London and the home counties, including Kensington and Chelsea, Harrow, Twickenham, Westminster, Camden, and Surrey. We remain flexible to accommodate care requests in other areas, contingent upon available accommodation provisions.