Why is a person-centered approach so important? In the past, individuals we serve were not only expected to fit in with routines of daily life, they also had very little say. Most of the time they had no say at all in the types of services they received and/or how the services were provided. Today in the field, our work in that has changed for the better. Person-centered care has become the main focus for providing services and supports to our individuals, and has opened up so many opportunities they may have never experienced.
Sometimes while working with our individuals with a person-centered approach, we tend to get the feeling as if all person-centered care is giving people whatever they want and or letting them do whatever they want, but it is much more than that. When it comes to providing a person-centered approach in my workplace/homes, I like to ask myself how can I be actively person-centered when providing services. It is important to really get to know who you are serving. Recognize each person’s gifts and abilities. This will improve your ability to build on each person’s strengths and talents. Be respectful of differences. We all know each individual we serve is going to be different. Not one person is the same. Listen to them. Make time to share ideas together. This will show them they do have a say and that what they say matters. Ask for their opinions! Take the time to answer questions and provide information they may think could be beneficial to them. And the one that always sticks out to me the most, create opportunities for choice in matters small and large!
The people we serve sometimes need reminders that they do have a say, and that they matter. I remind my staff weekly one simple thing to keep in mind when coming to work; when you step in that front door you are now in their home. I encourage them to remember that we are here to support the people we serve in their home and not look at it as a place of work. When I go to work, I like to think of it as a privilege to have the opportunity to serve and support the people we can and to advocate and remind them that they matter and they do have a say. Life is a long journey, not just a point in time. Remember to be patient with the people we support. To succeed in this field you need to be willing to learn and be open to change as people evolve and grow. And the most important thing is be sure to reward effort and celebrate success!