Values Of Person Centred Care

Person-centred is about providing care and support that is centred or focused on theindividual and their needs. We are all individual and just because two people might have the same medical condition, for example, Dementia, it doesn't mean that they require the same care and support. There are eight person centred values that support person-centred care and support. These are:

*Individuality:Individuals should be allowed and supported to make their own choices. Care and support needs should be tailored to suit each individual. This shows respect by preserving the individual's dignity and individuality. Their personal beliefs should be respected.

*Independence: Allowing the individuals you support to do things for themselves, however small. Don't do things for them because it is quicker. Support them to do things that they can do or almost do. Independence makes people feel in control of their lives and gives them a sense of self-worth.

*Privacy - You should understand each individual's need for privacy and support this in the way you work. You should always ask permission before entering an individual's room and always knock on their door. You should always close doors when performing personal hygiene to ensure privacy.

*Partnership: Working in partnership with others is essential to person-centred care and support. Partnership is based around the individual you are supporting and all of the partners involved will need good communication, sharing appropriate information putting the individual's best interests at the centre of everything that everyone does.

*Choice - Each individual you support should be supported to make choices and given the necessary information in order to make these choices. Individuals should always be involved in decisions about their care and support.

*Dignity: - This is what we feel when we are respected and it is what makes us feel important in society and in our lives. Whether individuals are eating, sleeping, washing, or dying, care workers must help them to feel dignified. In order to preserve the dignity of an individual you should ask them how they wish to be addressed; try not to rush them and take time to listen; and use towels or clothing to cover them up when performing intimate care tasks. It is important not to stereotype or make guesses about individuals and their needs.

*Respect: - This is showing an individual you will support them in what they believe is important, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, belief or sexual orientation. You should never ignore the individuals you are supporting and should always include them in the conversation, irrespective of the subject. You should be careful not to use a term of endearment, without asking the individual what they would like to be called. Some people dislike terms of endearment, others will approve, either way, you can never assume it is acceptable and it is essential to check.

*Rights: - Individuals you care for and support should continue to have the same rights as when they were living independently. Each individual you support has the right to say no, the right to have a relationship and the right to have a say about how they are supported. They have a right to choose what they eat and when, how they dress and when. They have the right to choose their friends and what they want to do with their time. You may have to make changes to take an individual's rights into account. You may have to balance an individual's rights against your responsibilities and consider if either the individual or yourself are at risk.