16/03/2023
Person-centred care is an approach to care that puts the person receiving care at the centre of the care process, taking into account their individual needs, preferences and values. In domiciliary care, this means providing care that is tailored to the individual and their circumstances.
To implement person-centred care in domiciliary care, the following steps can be taken:
Get to know the person: Take the time to understand the person's needs, preferences and values. This can be done through an initial assessment, as well as regular conversations with the person and their family members.
Involve the person in their care: Encourage the person to be involved in decisions about their care and support. This can include asking them about their goals and aspirations, and involving them in the planning and review of their care.
Provide flexible care: Provide care that is flexible and responsive to the person's changing needs. This may involve adapting care plans and routines to suit the person's preferences and circumstances.
Foster positive relationships: Build positive and respectful relationships with the person and their family members. This can help to build trust and confidence in the care being provided.
Continuously monitor and evaluate care: Regularly review and evaluate the care being provided to ensure that it is meeting the person's needs and preferences.
Examples of person-centred care in domiciliary care:
Mrs Smith has dementia and becomes anxious in new environments. Her domiciliary care worker, Sarah, takes the time to get to know Mrs Smith and her routines. She adapts her approach to care to suit Mrs Smith's preferences, and provides care in a familiar environment, such as Mrs Smith's own home.
Mr Jones has a visual impairment and finds it difficult to read his medication labels. His domiciliary care worker, John, involves Mr Jones in the management of his medication, providing verbal descriptions of each medication and ensuring that Mr Jones understands how to take them safely.
Mrs Patel has mobility difficulties and struggles with some aspects of personal care. Her domiciliary care worker, Emma, provides care that is tailored to Mrs Patel's individual needs and preferences, ensuring that she is supported with dignity and respect.
In all of these examples, the domiciliary care workers have taken a person-centred approach to care, adapting their care to suit the individual needs and preferences of the person receiving care.