Unit 04 Promote person-centered approaches in care settings

1 Unit 04 Promote person- centered approaches in care settings 1 Unit purpose and aims This unit introduces the concept of person- centered support as a fundamental principle of adult care. The learner will: 1. Understand the application of person- centered approaches in care settings 2. Be able to work in a person- centered way 3. Be able to establish consent when providing care or support 4. Be able to implement and Promote active participation 5. Be able to support the individual s right to make choices 6. Be able to Promote individuals wellbeing 7. Understand the role of risk assessment in enabling a person- centered approach 2 How and why person- centered values must influence all aspects of health and social care work A person- centered approach puts the person, not their illness or condition, at the centre. The needs and feelings of each person are the focal point around which everything revolves.

2 Person- centered care is a care approach which aims to help you and other care workers to see, value and treat people as individuals who have led, and are still leading, their own unique life. Person- centered values acknowledge the person s individuality, their rights and choices, their needs for privacy, dignity, respect and independence. Person- centered care is a partnership between the individual and their care-givers. Person- centered care was developed in the 1990s by, among others, the late Professor Tom Kitwood, of the Bradford Dementia Group. ( Dementia reconsidered - the person comes first Kitwood, 1997). The five key elements of person- centered care Professor Kitwood identified five key elements of positive care. It is important that you think about an individual s previous whole life and what was and still is important to them.

3 These include: Comfort and attachment - belonging Communication and interaction Biography and identity - their past, who they are Autonomy and Agency - being in control Inclusion and occupation - doing something meaningful. The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014: Regulation 9. CQC states The intention of this regulation is to make sure that people using a service have care or treatment that is personalised specifically for them. The regulation describes the action that providers must take to make sure that each person receives appropriate person-centred care and treatment that is based on an assessment of their needs and preferences . ( ) 3 Holistic/whole care It is now recognised that a person has needs beyond their physical care; therefore, it is important that the whole care needs of the person are met.

4 Care should be planned to take into consideration the religious, spiritual, psychological, social and cultural as well as physical needs. This means looking at individuals as a whole person rather than just focusing on their medical condition and recognising that person- centered values must influence all aspects of health and social care work. It is easy to forget that people are all different. None of us are the same - we have all had different experiences of life as we have grown; we all have different personalities, likes and dislikes. Every one of us deals with events in our life differently. Consequently, as a care worker, it will help to think about the person first their life history and what they enjoy. If, as a care worker, you can see the person, this will help you to consider how you can care for the individual. 4 Maintaining individuality and respect It is the right of each person to be treated as an individual.

5 This will make them feel valued and respected. You can achieve this by the way you treat individuals Always find out the name they prefer to be called. Do not assume everybody prefers first name terms or endearments such as gran (this may be seen as belittling to the individual) Talk with, and listen to individuals, key people and others, to assess, needs, wishes and preferences Find out about the individual s daily routine, their family and friends, hobbies and interests Plan care holistically Be polite, helpful and show empathy Ensure individuals have contact with family and friends Encourage personal items photographs, furnishings, ornaments etc. Do not clothe individuals in items that belong to the care establishment Encourage the wearing of day clothes Give choices, uphold rights. Rights and Choices It is vital that individuals feel in control of their lives.

6 Ensuring they are aware of their rights and choices, and that these are actively promoted, will help individuals to be confident and develop a feeling of self-worth. Individuals should be encouraged to say what they want, express opinions and make suggestions about the care they receive. Achievement and fulfillment It is important that individuals are able to feel successful in their daily lives. Empowering people, encouraging self-management and allowing them to become partners in care, will ensure goals set are realistic. The individual can then achieve their full potential. This will lead to a sense of fulfillment. Active support You must provide active support to enable individuals to use their strengths and potential. This means setting realistic goals, giving positive feedback and encouraging (but not forcing) self- management.

7 5 Individuals should be supported to identify how they want you to carry out your work activities. This upholds their right to choose and will encourage and empower them. Privacy and dignity The Human Rights Act states that a person has a right to privacy, dignity and respect. Privacy may be viewed as privacy of information, the provision of private areas for individuals and privacy that involves covering the body. All individuals have the right to be provided with a private area to wash, dress, attend to toilet needs, meet with visitors, receive treatment, relax or be alone. Clothing should be of the individual s choice and should cover the body adequately to maintain dignity. Individuals should also be offered advice and support to choose clothing appropriate for their personal needs and the activities they are undertaking. An abrupt, impatient or intolerant attitude will humiliate and dehumanise the individual, and should be considered abusive.

8 Care settings where care practices are institutionalised, do not maintain dignity, privacy or show respect. Independence, freedom and being in control Everyone needs to feel that they have independence - as a teenager, it is something many struggle for. Try and consider: In what ways are you in control of your life now? How it feels to be in charge of your life. 6 Why it is important to work in a way that embeds person- centered values Individuals should be included in the planning and delivery of all aspects of their care. This will ensure that the service provided puts the individual at the centre of everything you do. Decisions are made and care is delivered with the individual s knowledge, understanding, co-operation and consent. You should actively support individuals to participate as much as they are able. Your aim, as a person- centered care worker, is to make sure that each day is as positive as it can be for each person.

9 Care workers can show respect and preserve dignity by always supporting individuals choices and upholding their rights. People entering a care home, or receiving care in their own home, may experience a number of losses, particularly a loss of independence. There is a danger that loss of independence will lead to loss of identity which may be a direct result of people who need care being treated in the same way. This is particularly so in care settings or organisations whose routines fit more closely with the needs of the organisation than that of the individual. As a care worker you can help an individual hold onto their sense of who they are by respecting their individuality, getting to know them and learning their life history. Understanding the uniqueness of the person will Promote individuality.

10 If we look closely at the person s individuality we can recognise their strengths and skills, in order to Promote independence. Privacy is not only ensuring private areas for personal care, but also the individual s private and confidential information. There may be other ways of promoting the privacy and dignity of the individual. The most important aspect for you to learn is that you should always treat the individual with the respect you would expect for yourself or a member of your family; listen to what individuals have to say, and encourage and accommodate their choices and personal preferences. It is vital that you ensure the individuals comfort. The care team should be aware of their needs and should strive to meet these by providing the best possible quality service. Creating a relaxing and harmonious atmosphere is as important as having pleasant and comfortable physical surroundings.