2.1. Describe what is meant by ‘person-centred support’

This guide will help you with answers for NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism 2.1. Describe what is meant by ‘person-centred support’.

Person-centred support is a fundamental concept in health and social care. It focuses on the individual’s unique needs, preferences, and personal goals. This approach places the person at the centre of all decisions and plans that affect their life. Let’s look into what person-centred support means.

Definition of Person-Centred Support

Person-centred support means tailoring care and support to meet the unique needs of the individual. It’s about understanding their personal history, preferences, wishes, and goals. The person themselves is the best source of information about their needs, so their input and participation are essential. A person-centred approach ensures that the care provided respects and values the individual’s dignity, autonomy, and individuality.

Core Principles of Person-Centred Support

1. Individuality

Every person is unique. Person-centred support recognises that each person has their own set of values, preferences, and life experiences. This uniqueness should shape the care and support they receive.

2. Choice and Autonomy

Individuals should have a say in decisions about their care and support. This involves providing them with choices and respecting their decisions. Autonomy means supporting them to make decisions for themselves as much as possible.

3. Dignity and Respect

Person-centred support treats people with dignity and respect at all times. This means acknowledging their right to live their lives in the way they choose, and offering support in a manner that respects their personal privacy and dignity.

4. Empowerment

Empowerment in person-centred support means enabling individuals to take control of their own lives. This can involve things like offering information and resources that help them make informed decisions, or supporting them in developing skills to increase their independence.

5. Holistic Care

Holistic care looks at the whole person, not just their diagnosis or condition. It considers physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. Person-centred support takes a holistic approach to care.

The Importance of Person-Centred Support

Person-centred support is really important because it:

• Respects Individual Rights: Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
• Improves Quality of Life: When care is tailored to an individual’s preferences, it can lead to a better overall quality of life.
• Increases Satisfaction: Individuals are often more satisfied with their care when they play an active role in making decisions.
• Promotes Independence: Person-centred support helps people to live as independently as possible.
• Builds Trust: When individuals feel heard and respected, they are more likely to trust their caregivers.

Implementing Person-Centred Support

Listening to the Individual

Take time to listen actively to the person you support. Understand their needs, preferences, and wishes. Use open-ended questions to encourage them to express themselves.

Providing Information

Ensure that the individual has all the information they need to make informed decisions. This might involve explaining options in a way they can understand or providing written materials.

Involving Family and Friends

Family and friends can provide valuable insights into the individual’s needs and preferences. They can also offer support and encouragement.

Personalised Care Plans

Develop care plans that reflect the individual’s unique needs and preferences. Review and update these regularly to ensure they remain relevant.

Empowering the Individual

Encourage and support the individual to take part in activities that interest them. Offer opportunities for them to learn new skills or participate in the community.

Issues in Person-Centred Support

Communication Barriers

Sometimes, communication can be a barrier, especially if the individual has difficulty expressing themselves. In such cases, seek to understand their preferred method of communication and use tools or aids if necessary.

Balancing Safety and Choice

Supporting choice and autonomy must be balanced with the need to ensure safety. This can be challenging but is essential to do with careful planning and risk assessment.

Resource Limitations

Limited resources can sometimes make it challenging to provide truly person-centred support. However, creative problem-solving and advocating for the individual’s needs can help overcome these barriers.

Resistance to Change

Individuals and staff may sometimes resist changes to practices. Training and demonstrating the benefits of person-centred support can help in overcoming this resistance.

Advantages of Person-Centred Support

For the Individual

• Increased Wellbeing: Individuals feel valued and respected.
• Greater Satisfaction: More content with the care they receive.
• Enhanced Independence: Promotes self-reliance and confidence.

For Caregivers

• Improved Relationships: Develop stronger, more positive relationships with those you support.
• Greater Job Satisfaction: Find more fulfilment in your role.
• Professional Growth: Develop skills in providing high-quality, personalised care.

Example answers for unit 2.1. Describe what is meant by ‘person-centred support’

Example Answer 1:
Person-centred support means putting the individual at the centre of their care and support. It’s about respecting their wishes, preferences, and needs. For example, if someone prefers to wake up at a certain time, I should try to accommodate that rather than imposing a schedule on them. It’s about seeing them as a unique person rather than just another service user.

Example Answer 2:
Person-centred support involves giving people the power to make decisions about their own lives. This means providing choices and respecting their decisions. If they want to choose their daily activities or what they want to eat, I should support those choices. Even if I think another choice might be better, it’s important to respect their autonomy and support them in their decision-making process.

Example Answer 3:
Supporting someone in a person-centred way means treating them with dignity and respect. This means listening to them, valuing their opinions, and recognising their rights. For instance, always knocking on their door before entering their room is a simple but important way to show respect for their privacy and dignity. It’s about creating an environment where they feel safe and valued.

Example Answer 4:
Person-centred support means understanding the whole person, not just their condition or diagnosis. This includes knowing their family background, their hobbies, and what makes them happy or upset. For example, if someone enjoys gardening, incorporating gardening into their care plan can actually improve their wellbeing. It’s about looking beyond the surface to understand the person fully.

Example Answer 5:
Empowerment is a key part of person-centred support. It’s about giving individuals the tools and support they need to take control of their lives. For example, if someone wants to learn a new skill, I should encourage and support them in finding classes or resources. Empowering them can boost their confidence and independence, helping them to feel more in control.

Example Answer 6:
A key part of person-centred support is involving family and friends in the care process. Family members often know a lot about the individual’s needs and preferences, which can help in planning the best care. For instance, if a family member tells me that the person enjoys a particular type of music, I can incorporate that into their daily routine. This helps to provide more personalised and effective support.

Final Thoughts

Person-centred support is about placing the individual at the heart of all care and support decisions. It respects their uniqueness, promotes their autonomy, and seeks to understand and meet their personal needs and preferences. By adopting this approach, support workers can actually enhance the quality of life for the individuals they care for, leading to better outcomes for everyone involved.

By focusing on these key principles and practices, you can ensure that your approach to care is genuinely person-centred, respectful, and effective. Remember, the individual’s voice should always be heard and respected in every aspect of their care.