2.6 The importance of person-centred approaches to establishing support strategies

This guide will help you with answers for NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Behaviour that Challenges 2.6 The importance of person-centred approaches to establishing support strategies.

As a support worker, you will often find yourself working with individuals whose behaviour may challenge. Understanding the importance of person-centred approaches to establishing support strategies can make a significant difference in improving outcomes. Let’s look into the details of how these approaches can be effectively implemented.

What is a Person-Centred Approach?

A person-centred approach places the individual at the core of their care and support. This means listening to their needs, preferences, and values. Person-centred care contrasts with one-size-fits-all solutions. It’s about recognising each person as an individual, with unique experiences, feelings, and desires.

Advantages of Person-Centred Approaches

Fosters Independence and Empowerment

• Empowerment: When individuals are actively involved in their care, they feel more in control and empowered. This fosters self-esteem and independence.
• Skill Development: Tailored support helps individuals develop personal skills, contributing to their confidence and capabilities.

Builds Trust and Rapport

• Trust: Understanding and valuing personal preferences builds trust between the individual and the support worker. This trust is essential in encouraging positive behavioural changes.
• Open Communication: Openly communicating and involving the person in decisions fosters a collaborative relationship.

Improves Quality of Life

• Reduced Stress: Personalising care to meet individual needs can reduce anxiety and stress, leading to fewer incidences of challenging behaviour.
• Well-being: By focusing on what brings joy and satisfaction, person-centred care enhances overall well-being.

Establishing Support Strategies

Assessment and Understanding

• Holistic Assessment: A thorough assessment helps understand the individual’s life history, preferences, and triggers for challenging behaviour.
• Observation: Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues. Observe how the person interacts with their environment and others.

Individualised Planning

• Personalised Plans: Create support plans that reflect the unique needs and aspirations of the individual. Ensure the plans are flexible and adaptive.
• Inclusion: Involve the individual in the planning process. This can include setting goals and choosing methods of support.

Implementation of Support

• Consistency: Ensure the agreed-upon strategies are consistently applied. Consistent support helps the individual feel secure.
• Adaptability: Be ready to adapt strategies as needs or circumstances change. Regular review and monitoring are essential.

Building a Collaborative Network

• Family Involvement: Engage family members or close friends in the support process. Their insights can be invaluable.
• Multi-Disciplinary Team: Work with other professionals to provide comprehensive support. This includes healthcare providers, therapists, and social workers.

Practical Example

Consider Sarah, a young adult with autism who exhibits challenging behaviour, such as aggression during transitions. A person-centred approach might involve:

1. Assessment: Understanding Sarah’s history and identifying triggers.
2. Planning: Developing a transition plan that includes her favourite calming activities.
3. Implementation: Using consistent routines and involving Sarah in planning transitions.
4. Review: Regularly assessing the approach’s effectiveness and making necessary adjustments.

Issues and Potential Solutions

Resistance to Change

• Solution: Involve the individual from the start. Explain the benefits and make gradual changes to ease the transition.

Lack of Resources

• Solution: Use creative methods to maximise available resources. Network with local organisations for additional support.

Staff Training

• Solution: Invest in ongoing staff training to ensure the team is skilled in person-centred approaches and up-to-date with best practices.

Final Thoughts

Adopting person-centred approaches in establishing support strategies is important in managing challenging behaviour effectively. It fosters empowerment, builds trust, and improves the quality of life for individuals. By focusing on personalised care, support workers can create supportive environments where individuals feel valued and understood.

Through careful assessment, personalised planning, consistent implementation, and involving a collaborative network, you can actually impact the lives of those you support. Embrace the person-centred approach, and you’ll find that not only do the individuals benefit, but your job becomes more rewarding and impactful.

Example answers for 2.6 The importance of person-centred approaches to establishing support strategies

Example Answer 1:

Person-centred approaches are essential because they focus on the individual’s specific needs and preferences, making support more relevant and effective. For instance, I worked with an elderly gentleman who became agitated during meal times. By understanding his history and preferences, we discovered he was used to a very specific routine and type of food. By adapting our support to reflect his preferences, we significantly reduced his agitation.

Example Answer 2:

Implementing person-centred strategies helps in building trust and rapport with the individuals we support. I remember supporting a young girl with learning disabilities who exhibited challenging behaviour when instructions were given abruptly. We established a more gentle and inclusive approach to communication, which included visual aids and giving her extra time to process information. This built a trusting relationship and significantly reduced her stress levels.

Answer 3:

A person-centred approach promotes empowerment and independence. In my role, I support a man with autism who experiences anxiety during public transport usage. By creating a personalised travel plan, involving him in each step, and using familiar routes and techniques to reduce anxiety, he gained confidence and now feels comfortable travelling alone. This independence has greatly improved his quality of life.

Example Answer 4:

It’s important to involve the individual in their care planning. I support a woman with dementia who gets distressed when there are sudden changes to her routine. By involving her in creating a flexible daily plan, and having regular conversations about her preferences, we’ve managed to keep her engaged and reduce episodes of distress. This person-centred planning aligns the support strategies with her unique needs.

Example Answer 5:

One really important aspect of person-centred care is the consistent application of support strategies. I work with a teenager who has ADHD and exhibits disruptive behaviour when there’s inconsistency in rules. By ensuring all support workers follow the same set of guidelines and routines, we have created a stable environment for him where he knows what to expect. This consistency has led to a noticeable improvement in his behaviour.

Example Answer 6:

Person-centred approaches not only help the individual but also support the entire care team. In an instance where I supported a client with complex health needs, involving a multi-disciplinary team was essential. By working together with healthcare providers, social workers, and family, we created a comprehensive, person-centred support plan that addressed all aspects of his life. This collaborative approach provided a holistic support system and greatly improved his overall well-being.