What is person-centered care?

What is person-centered care?

Person-centered care focuses on the individual needs and experiences of clients. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, it looks at what the client needs at any given moment to improve their quality of life. The goal is to create a comfortable environment where the client feels seen and heard.

What is a person-centered approach?

A person-centered approach involves caregivers taking the time to truly know the client. This goes beyond the standard medical record to include personal history, preferences, fears, and sources of joy. This knowledge is then used to tailor the care. For example, a client who has always loved gardening can be involved in gardening projects at the healthcare facility.

Examples of person-centered activities

Person-centered activities are designed to stimulate the client's senses and memories. Some examples include:

• Music therapy: listening to favorite songs from the client's youth.
• Aromatherapy: using scents that evoke positive memories.
• Virtual cycling: with Bike Labyrinth, clients can cycle through familiar locations to stimulate memories and discuss them while cycling.
• Life story work: discussing and documenting life stories and memories.
• Creative activities: painting, crafting, or gardening, tailored to the client's interests.

Why person-centered care?

Person-centered care contributes to a higher quality of life for clients. It helps reduce feelings of anxiety and confusion, which is especially important for individuals with dementia. Additionally, it promotes a sense of self-worth and meaning. Caregivers who adopt this approach often find their work more fulfilling as they can form deeper connections with their clients.

Person-centered care step-by-step

A structured approach helps care facilities effectively implement person-centered care. Here is a step-by-step plan to get started:

1. Training and awareness: caregivers need to be trained in person-centered approaches and understand their importance.
2. Getting to know the client: gather comprehensive information about the client's personal history and preferences.
3. Creating an individual care plan: develop a care plan specifically tailored to the client's needs and wishes.
4. Continuous alignment and evaluation: continuously adjust to the changes in the client's needs and feelings, and modify the care plan as necessary.
5. Collecting feedback: regularly seek feedback from both the client and their family to further improve the care.

A meaningful care experience

Person-centered care is a powerful approach that can significantly enhance the quality of life for clients. By focusing on the personal experiences and needs of the client, caregivers can provide a more meaningful and satisfying care experience. This method is particularly valuable in elder care and the support of individuals with dementia. With proper training and a well-structured plan, care facilities can successfully implement this approach and elevate their standard of care.