This guide will help you answer The RQF Level 3 Diploma in Care Unit 1.1 Explain how and why person-centred values must influence all aspects of health and adult care work.
What are Person-Centred Values?
Person-centred values are fundamental principles guiding the delivery of care. They assert that every individual is unique and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. These values focus on individual needs, preferences, and rights. They emphasise tailoring care to fit the individual rather than making the individual fit the care. This approach underpins the philosophy that care should rchange around the person receiving it, often referred to as “person-centred care.”
Core Principles of Person-Centred Values
Person-centred values are based on several core principles:
- Individuality: Recognising and respecting each person as an individual. Every person has their own strengths, likes, dislikes, and needs.
- Rights: Upholding the rights of individuals. This includes respecting their right to make choices and maintaining their dignity and privacy.
- Choice: Empowering individuals to make decisions about their care. Offering options and supporting the individual’s autonomy is key.
- Privacy: Ensuring that personal information and privacy are protected.
- Independence: Promoting the individual’s ability to act and make decisions for themselves.
- Dignity: Ensuring the person feels respected and valued.
- Respect: Acknowledging the person’s value and treating them with consideration.
Why Person-Centred Values are Essential in Health and Adult Care Work?
Promoting Dignity and Respect
Person-centred values ensure that individuals are treated with respect and dignity. By tailoring care to meet individual needs and preferences, you validate their identity and self-worth. This can actually impact their mental and emotional well-being, promoting a more positive view of themselves and their situation.
Enhancing Individual Autonomy
When care is person-centred, individuals are empowered to make decisions concerning their care. This autonomy is important for maintaining independence and self-esteem. Empowered individuals are more likely to engage positively with their care plans, leading to better outcomes.
Improving Quality of Life
A person-centred approach prioritises the individual’s quality of life. By focusing on what matters to the person rather than solely on their medical needs, carers can enhance the overall well-being of the individual. This holistic view is essential for comprehensive health and social care.
Building Trust and Relationships
Person-centred care fosters trust between carers and individuals. When individuals feel heard and respected, they are more likely to open up and engage with the care process. This relationship is foundational to effective care delivery and positive outcomes.
How Person-Centred Values Influence Care Work
Tailoring Care Plans
Person-centred values necessitate that care plans are customised to the individual. This means conducting thorough assessments to understand the person’s history, preferences, and needs. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. Customised care plans ensure that each individual’s unique needs are met effectively.
Communication
Effective communication is central to person-centred care. This involves listening actively to the person’s concerns and preferences and involving them in discussions about their care. It also includes providing information in a way that is accessible and understandable.
Choice and Decision-Making
Person-centred care places a high value on choice. This might involve offering several options for treatment or daily activities and respecting the person’s decisions. It’s about supporting the person to make informed choices, even if their choices are different from what the carer might believe is best.
Respecting Privacy and Dignity
Embedding person-centred values in care means always respecting the individual’s privacy and dignity. This involves practical steps, like knocking before entering a room, and more subtle actions, like listening empathetically and using respectful language.
Practical Applications of Person-Centred Values
Case Studies
- John’s Story
John is an elderly gentleman living in a care home. He has always been an avid gardener. By recognising this aspect of John’s identity, carers encouraged him to participate in maintaining the care home’s garden. This not only enriched John’s life but also helped him to maintain a sense of purpose and autonomy. - Maggie’s Experience
Maggie prefers to bathe in the morning rather than the evening. Her carers respect this preference, ensuring her care plan reflects her routine. This simple acknowledgment of her preference significantly improves her mood and engagement in other activities.
Implementing Person-Centred Care
To implement person-centred care, health and adult care workers must undergo training to understand and apply these values. Regular team meetings can also be held to ensure that these values are being upheld consistently. Carers should reflect on their practice and seek feedback from those they care for to improve and refine their approach.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Resistance to Change
Some staff might resist shifting to a person-centred care approach due to ingrained habits or a lack of understanding. Providing comprehensive training and demonstrating the positive impacts of person-centred care can help overcome this resistance.
Balancing Standardisation and Personalisation
While person-centred care focuses on individual needs, health care settings often rely on standard protocols for efficiency. Finding a balance between these can be challenging. Encouraging flexibility within these protocols can help ensure that individual needs are still met effectively.
Example answers for unit 1.1 Explain how and why person-centred values must influence all aspects of health and adult care work
Example Answer 1
In my role as a care worker, it is really important to treat each person as a unique individual. For instance, I look after Mrs. Smith, who has dementia. She used to be a school teacher and loves reading. By providing books she enjoys and creating a quiet reading corner in her room, I cater to her interests. This not only keeps her engaged but also respects her individuality and past experiences.
Example Answer 2
Empowering individuals to make their own decisions is another essential aspect of person-centred care. I care for Mr. Jones, who prefers to take his medication with breakfast rather than lunch. By respecting his choice, I am promoting his autonomy and independence. This small adjustment has made him more willing to engage in other areas of his care, building trust between us.
Example Answer 3
Respecting privacy and dignity is fundamental in our work. One day, I was assigned to help Mrs. Patel with her bathing routine. Before entering her room, I always knock and wait for her permission to enter. During the bathing process, I make sure to cover her with a towel as much as possible and speak to her reassuringly. This approach makes her feel respected and valued, maintaining her dignity.
Example Answer 4
An example of effective communication in person-centred care comes from my experience with Mr. Thompson, who has difficulty understanding complex instructions. I use simple, clear language and visual aids when discussing his care plan. This ensures he is fully informed and involved in his care decisions, making him feel more in control and less anxious about the process.
Example Answer 5
One practical application of person-centred care is seen in meal choices. I noticed that Mrs. Brown, who recently moved to our care home, was not eating well. I found out that she loves traditional British foods. By adding her favourite dishes like shepherd’s pie and roast dinners to the menu, her appetite improved significantly. She also expressed her appreciation, which boosted her mood and engagement with the community.
Example Answer 6
Cultural sensitivity is another important aspect of person-centred care. I take care of Mr. Ahmed, who follows a specific prayer routine five times a day. By adjusting his daily schedule to accommodate his prayer times and providing a private space for this, I respect his religious beliefs and practices. This adjustment not only promotes his overall well-being but also ensures he feels respected and understood.
Final Thoughts
Person-centred values are essential in health and adult care work because they prioritise the dignity, autonomy, and overall well-being of individuals. These values demand that care is tailored to the person, enhancing their quality of life and fostering trust and respect. By incorporating person-centred values into all aspects of care work, health and social care professionals can ensure that their care is compassionate, effective, and respectful of the individual’s unique needs and preferences.
Subscribe to Newsletter
Get the latest news and updates from Care Learning and be first to know about our free courses when they launch.
