Receiving person-centred care in aged care is important as it can lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life. So, what is person-centred care and how do you know if you, or your loved one, are receiving it?
What is person-centred care in aged care?
Person-centred care respects your unique needs, preferences and values, and puts you at the centre of your care plan and delivery. Rather than focusing solely on medical conditions, your care team also considers your social, emotional, physical, psychological and cultural background to support you in reaching your goals.
Examples of person-centred care are:
- Staff ask about your preferred schedule. You tell them you prefer to exercise in the morning because you have more energy at that time of day. Staff adjust your care plan to include morning activities. As a result, you stay active and meet your physical activity goals.
- Staff ask about your food preferences. You share your cultural food needs, and the team ensures meals reflect your requirements. As a result, you enjoy your food and feel more at home.
Why is person-centred care important?
Research has shown that if you receive person-centred care, you are more likely to have higher care satisfaction, increased quality of life, higher social engagement, and a reduced risk of depression and anxiety.
When your care provider takes the time to understand you as an individual, you’re more likely to feel comfortable and open to sharing important information. This allows you to work together on a care plan that truly reflects your needs, which can lead to better health outcomes.
How do I know if I’m receiving person-centred care?
To help you reflect on whether your care is truly person-centred, we’ve put together some key questions to ask yourself.
Care planning and involvement
- Are you involved in the development of your care plan?
- Have staff asked you about your preferences, needs and values?
- Have staff accounted for your preferences, needs and values in your care plan?
- Do you feel as though your care plan meets your personal goals?
Communication and information
- Do you feel like staff communicate clearly?
- Do staff provide information about your care, so you can make informed choices?
Respect, listening and individuality
- Do you feel that staff respect your choices, even if they differ from what others prefer?
- Are your cultural or religious beliefs listened to and supported?
- Are you provided with the opportunity to participate in activities that bring you joy?
- Are you supported to maintain relationships with friends and family?
Feedback and voice
- Do you have opportunities to provide feedback about the care you receive?
What’s next?
If you answered “yes” to most of the above questions, that’s a great sign – your care team is likely providing person-centred care.
If you’ve answered “no” to several, it might be a good idea to:
- Speak with your aged care provider about your concerns
- Reach out to a trusted support person who can help you have the conversation
- Ask to review your care plan.
Remember, person-centred care isn’t just a catch phrase – it can make a real difference in supporting your wellbeing and quality of life. If you’re looking for an aged care provider which focuses on delivering person-centred care, Anglicare Southern Queensland is committed to supporting your wellbeing with dignity and respect. Click here to learn more about the aged care services we provide.