1.3 Describe the role of practitioners in ensuring that activities reflect individual interests, choices, preferences and needs

This guide will help you answer 1.3 Describe the role of practitioners in ensuring that activities reflect individual interests, choices, preferences and needs.

Practitioners in health and social care play a critical role in planning and delivering activities for individuals. It’s essential that these activities are relevant, meaningful, and tailored to meet the individual’s interests, choices, preferences, and needs. By doing this, practitioners can improve engagement, promote inclusion, and support overall well-being.

Understand Individual Needs

Practitioners must begin by understanding the unique needs, circumstances, and aspirations of each individual. This involves gathering information, observing behaviours, and communicating effectively.

Key ways practitioners achieve this:

• Conducting assessments: Practitioners use tools like care plans, interviews, or questionnaires to understand physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs. For example, a resident in a care home may need activities that balance mobility support with mental stimulation.
• Learning about personal histories: Understanding an individual’s background, culture, past experiences, and hobbies helps practitioners choose activities that resonate with them.
• Recognising barriers: Practitioners identify obstacles, such as limited mobility, sensory impairments, or emotional difficulties, and adapt activities accordingly.

For example, if a service user enjoys painting but struggles with arthritis, the practitioner may provide supportive tools, such as textured paintbrushes or ergonomic seating.

Promoting Choice

Practitioners must ensure individuals have the opportunity to make their own decisions about the activities they take part in. This promotes independence and respect for personal preferences.

Key ways to promote choice:

• Offering options: Practitioners present a range of activities to suit different interests, such as crafts, sports, or cooking. Offering choice helps individuals feel empowered.
• Listening to preferences: Practitioners engage individuals in discussions and value their input when planning activities.
• Involving individuals in planning: Where possible, individuals should help shape the activity itself, making it more meaningful to them.

For example, for a group session, a practitioner could ask participants whether they would prefer to listen to music or watch a short film, ensuring their preferences guide the session.

Adapting Activities to Suit Interests

Practitioners should create activities that reflect an individual’s personal interests and hobbies. This boosts motivation, enthusiasm, and engagement.

Key approaches include:

• Customising content: By tailoring activities to reflect someone’s favourite pastimes (e.g., gardening, music, or reading), practitioners ensure the activity feels relevant and enjoyable.
• Introducing variety: Incorporating interests in different ways helps keep activities fresh and exciting. For example, an individual who loves gardening could plant seeds one week and arrange flowers the next.
• Supporting cultural relevance: Providing culturally appropriate activities ensures individuals feel respected and connected to their heritage.

For instance, organising a cooking session based on traditional dishes from someone’s cultural background demonstrates cultural sensitivity and personal relevance.

Addressing Accessibility and Preferences

Activities must be accessible to all individuals, regardless of their physical, sensory, or emotional abilities. Practitioners play a key role in removing barriers and addressing preferences.

Key considerations include:

• Adapting for disabilities: Practitioners provide specialist equipment, modify tasks, or offer alternative versions of activities where needed.
• Flexibility in delivery: Adjusting the pace or duration of activities accommodates different energy levels. For example, someone with a chronic health condition may benefit from shorter, seated activities.
• Respecting sensory preferences: Practitioners ensure the environment feels comfortable, such as reducing noise levels for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

For example, a memory-recall activity using photographs can be adapted for individuals with visual impairments by providing verbal descriptions or tactile objects.

Building Relationships

Developing trust and positive relationships with individuals helps practitioners identify and meet their interests and choices effectively.

Important practices include:

• Listening compassionately: Practitioners must take time to understand what matters to the individual by showing empathy, patience, and active listening.
• Acting as advocates: Some individuals may struggle to communicate their needs or make choices. Practitioners can step in, championing their voice and supporting person-centred decision-making.
• Providing encouragement: Practitioners motivate individuals to try new things while respecting their existing preferences.

For instance, a practitioner working with a shy individual may encourage them to join a group discussion in a quiet, informal setting, respecting their current comfort level.

Monitoring and Reviewing

Practitioners have a responsibility to review activities regularly and make adjustments as needs and preferences change.

Ways to monitor and review include:

• Gathering feedback: Asking individuals for their thoughts on activities helps identify areas for improvement.
• Observing engagement: Practitioners look at factors like enjoyment levels, interaction, and achievement to assess how successful the activity is.
• Updating care plans: If preferences change, practitioners adjust the plans accordingly to reflect the new interests or needs.

For example, if someone begins to show interest in physical exercise after initially preferring quiet activities, the practitioner might introduce gentle group yoga as a new option.

Encouraging Participation

Practitioners should inspire individuals to take part in activities by creating a welcoming environment where they feel comfortable and motivated.

Steps to encourage participation:

• Creating a positive atmosphere: Practitioners ensure activities are fun, engaging, and stress-free to boost enthusiasm.
• Leading by example: Participating alongside individuals demonstrates encouragement and sets a supportive tone.
• Providing reassurance: Practitioners ease any concerns or fear of failure by emphasising effort over perfection.

For example, during art therapy, a practitioner might sit alongside the individual, guiding them gently and reassuring them that creativity has no ‘wrong’ way.

Final Thoughts

Practitioners play a central role in ensuring activities reflect individual interests, choices, preferences, and needs. Through person-centred planning, careful adaptation, and compassionate care, they create opportunities for meaningful engagement. This approach not only helps individuals achieve greater participation but also builds their confidence, independence, and overall well-being. Every activity becomes a chance to celebrate individual uniqueness and personal growth.