To ask "what is person centred care?" is to explore the very heart of modern, compassionate support. The term is widely used, particularly in the UK adult care sector, yet its true meaning can sometimes be misunderstood. Genuine person-centred care UK standards go beyond simply providing for someone's basic needs. It is about fundamentally shifting the balance of power, ensuring the person is the central figure in all choices about their health and life.
So, what is meant by person-centred care in practice? At its core, person-centred care is a philosophy and a method of delivering support that is deeply respectful of and responsive to an individual's personal preferences, needs, and values.
It represents a move away from a "one-size-fits-all" model. Instead, it prioritises a personalised approach where people are treated as equal partners in decisions about their care, empowering them to make choices about their own health. This guide will discuss the concept in detail, exploring why it is so crucial for achieving positive health and wellbeing outcomes and how it is put into practice across health and social services.
The core principle of a person-centred care approach is the recognition that every person is a unique individual, with their own history, lifestyle, needs, and preferences. It is a holistic method that considers not just a person's physical health challenges but also their emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing.
In this model, person-centred care is about working in a true partnership with the person, their family members, and their wider team of support professionals to ensure the care provided is as unique as they are.
This approach means that the person is actively involved in making informed decisions about their care right from the very beginning. Care plans are not generic documents; they are co-created based on the person's values, goals, and what is most important to them, rather than simply following a standard procedure.
When organised correctly, health services and care providers work together in this collaborative process. In this way, care becomes a journey where the person is supported and encouraged to take an active role in their own health and wellbeing.
At the heart of person-centred care are several key values that guide how support is delivered. These values are the bedrock of quality care, ensuring that healthcare services are provided in a way that respects the dignity, autonomy, and individuality of every person. It is vital that all healthcare professionals understand and embody these principles, whether they are working in physical or mental health settings.
Good providers invest in core skills education to ensure their teams can translate these values into daily practice. This training moves beyond theory, focusing on the practical application of these values in all aspects of health care. It ensures that even when delivering complex medical treatment, the person's values remains the priority.
All health professionals, from doctors to care assistants, must commit to these values. Your chosen healthcare provider should be able to explain how they implement these values. This philosophy is endorsed by organisations like the Health Foundation and is seen as essential for a modern, compassionate healthcare system. Let's explore these eight core values in more depth.
Each person has a unique identity, set of beliefs, and personal history. A standardised approach to care will inevitably fail to meet their specific needs. Person-centred care tailors support to the individual. For example, one person might cherish a quiet, peaceful environment for their morning routine, while another may thrive on social interaction. The care team must be adaptable and responsive to these deeply personal preferences.
Every person has fundamental rights as protected by law, such as those in the Human Rights Act 1998. These include the right to safety, liberty, and to be treated with equality. It is the responsibility of all care staff to ensure these rights are upheld at all times. In practice, this means a person should never be pressured into making a decision they are uncomfortable with or placed in a situation where their rights are compromised.
Privacy is a crucial element of dignified care. People are entitled to privacy in all aspects of their support, from personal care tasks to confidential discussions about their health. Personal information should only be shared with others on a strict need-to-know basis and always with the person's explicit consent. Ensuring the person feels safe and that their personal space is respected is key to their wellbeing.
Enabling people to make their own choices is fundamental. This involves providing them with clear and accessible information so they can make informed decisions about their support. For instance, if a person is presented with different options for managing a health condition, they must have the opportunity to choose the option that best aligns with their lifestyle and personal values. For people who cannot communicate verbally, care staff should use alternative methods or, like communication aids, to ensure their choices are still heard and respected.
Treating someone with dignity means recognising their inherent worth as a human being. It means ensuring their privacy, preferences, and feelings are respected at all times. This is especially important during personal care activities, where a person may feel particularly vulnerable. Care staff must be sensitive and ensure support is provided in a way that always maintains the person's sense of self-worth.
Person-centred care thrives on collaboration between the person, their family, and the care team. This partnership ensures that everyone involved is working towards the same goals, which are ultimately set by the person receiving care. Open and honest communication is essential for this process to work, allowing all parties to share insights and concerns to find the best solutions together.
Respecting a person's opinions, beliefs, and wishes is non-negotiable, even if care staff or family members hold a different view. If a person with the capacity to make an informed choice decides to decline a certain medical treatment, that decision must be respected by all parties, even if a health professional might recommend it.
A key goal is to promote independence in every way possible. People are encouraged to do as much as they can for themselves, with the right level of support from care staff. This might involve assisting with parts of a daily task while encouraging the person to complete the rest. The aim is always to help people maintain their skills and autonomy for as long as possible.
When we discuss the person-centred approach, we are moving beyond theory and into the practical reality of behaviours and activities. This approach is about actively planning care in collaboration with the person receiving it and ensuring their input is valued by all parties. For all service users, this collaborative spirit is vital. It is particularly important in specialised areas like end of life care, where personal wishes are paramount.
Care planning is a central element in this process. A care plan is created with the person, not for them. They are involved in setting their own goals, identifying the support they need, and deciding how it should be delivered. Information from medical records is used to inform the plan, but the person's own expertise of their experiencein their life and condition is given equal weight. This focuses on achieving positive wellbeing outcomes that are meaningful to the individual.
Effective support planning is therefore an ongoing, dynamic process. It involves reviewing and modifying the person's care plan regularly as their needs, wishes, or circumstances evolve. The existence of a national training framework helps ensure that staff across the social care sector have the skills to facilitate this. The person and the professional become equal partners in the process.
This person centered model is increasingly supported by local authorities as a way to ensure high-quality, responsive care. It empowers people to have control over their own care and life choices.
Person-centred care is not just a method of delivering support; it is a philosophy that demonstrably enhances a person's overall quality of life. An International Journal of Nursing Studies found that this approach significantly improves patient satisfaction. When social services and health providers - like the Royal College of Nursing - champion this approach, it is because the evidence shows it works. By focusing on the unique needs and preferences of each person, this approach brings numerous benefits.
A positive patient experience is a key outcome, which in turn contributes to better well-being. It respects the whole person, not just their health condition. This requires a set of transferable behaviours from carers, including active listening, empathy, and respect. It is about supporting people to live their best possible life. This collaborative approach is now considered best practice across all health and care services, ensuring the person is always the focus.
This approach improves quality of life by ensuring care is tailored to the person's wishes. When support acknowledges their values and what is important to them, it helps them feel happy, relaxed, and secure.
Research consistently shows that person-centred care leads to better health outcomes. Patients are more likely to engage with their care and follow treatment plans when they feel their voice is heard and their needs are being met. By promoting independence, it can also help reduce reliance on emergency services.
The approach fosters stronger, trust-based relationships between people, their care staff, and family members. By working in partnership, everyone involved has a better understanding of the person's needs and can provide more effective support.
While it may seem more resource-intensive initially, person-centred care can lead to cost savings. By tailoring support precisely, unnecessary interventions are avoided. This benefits the person and reduces the strain on health services.
Perhaps the most significant benefit is the promotion of autonomy. People are given the knowledge and support to make decisions about their care, empowering them to take control, which is especially important for those with long-term conditions. This enhances their self-esteem and sense of control over their life.
Putting these principles into practice requires a cultural shift from "doing for" to "doing with." It's not about a checklist; it's about building a genuine relationship with the person. Central to this is the care plan, a dynamic document co-produced with the person, outlining their goals and how health and social care professionals can support them.
This requires specific skills, such as active listening and clear communication. It means showing respect for a person's choices and lifestyle. For carers, it means having the knowledge, skills and confidence to adapt their approach to each unique individual. It involves knowing when to step back and when to offer support with a specific treatment or task. The goal is to help the person manage their own life as much as they are able.
Here are some practical ways we provide care using this approach:
In essence, person-centred care is about putting the person at the heart of their own support. The care provided must be rooted in this practice. It is about listening, respecting preferences, and giving the person the confidence to feel in control. As providers, we must constantly seek to develop and improve our approach to ensure we deliver the highest quality of care.
This is achieved through a true partnership with the person, their family, and other professionals. It is particularly important for older people who may feel they are losing control over their lives. Across all health and social settings, it is a shared responsibility for all organisations to champion these benefits.
A deep understanding of these principles allows professionals, including those in the NHS, to maintain a clear focus on what truly matters: the person. It enhances every aspect of healthcare, from physical support to the crucial role played by family carers.
If you or a loved one are looking for compassionate, personalised care, Tiggo Care offers a range of services including home care visits, live-in care,respite care, and condition-led care. Contact us today to learn more about how Tiggo Care can provide the person-centred care that meets your unique needs.
Person-centred care is an approach that focuses on the individual’s unique needs, preferences, and values. It ensures they are at the heart of decision-making in their care, encouraging active participation from them, their families, and care teams to deliver the most appropriate support for each person.
It is important because it respects the individuality of each person, enabling them to make informed decisions about their care. This approach improves satisfaction, enhances health outcomes, and fosters independence, making care more tailored, respectful, and effective.
The eight core values are individuality, rights, privacy, choice, dignity, respect, independence, and partnership. These values ensure that care is personalised, empowering, and respects each person's preferences and rights throughout their care experience.
Yes, Tiggo Care follows a person-centred approach. Our care plans are personalised to meet each person’s unique needs, promoting their independence, choice, and dignity. We work closely with families and healthcare professionals to ensure every decision reflects the individual’s preferences and wellbeing.
Get in touch with Tiggo Care today to see how we can help you or your loved one.
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