What is Person Centred Care?
Person-centred care is at the heart of modern health and social services, especially within care homes. It goes far beyond simply managing conditions; it’s about recognising the person behind the care plan. From improving health and wellbeing outcomes to boosting confidence and emotional support, providing person-centred care has become a cornerstone of best practice across the healthcare sector.
What Is a Person-Centred Approach?
A person-centred approach puts the individual first. It's a way of providing care that respects people’s preferences like their favourite tea or coffee, life experiences, and even personal goals. Whether someone is living in a care home or accessing health and social services from a healthcare provider, person-centred care means their voice is heard and they are equal partners in decision making.
Rather than focusing solely on illness or treatment, this approach considers what matters most to the person. It takes into account emotional support, independence, mental health, and personal interests, improving both the patient experience and long-term health and wellbeing outcomes.
Benefits of Person-Centred Care
1. Better Health and Wellbeing Outcomes
Care provided in a person-centred way is often linked to improved health. When people feel like they are actually listened to and supported, they are more likely to engage in their own care and treatment. This can lead to better prevention, stronger relationships with carers, and more effective access to health and social services.
2. Greater Independence and Confidence
Allowing residents to actively participate in their own care supports their autonomy. Whether it’s choosing where and what to eat, which activities to join, or how medical treatment is delivered, this involvement boosts confidence and creates a stronger sense of purpose.
3. Improved Mental Health
Feeling in control of your own health is incredibly empowering. Personalised care helps individuals feel valued, understood, and emotionally supported - key components in maintaining good mental health.
4. Enhanced Resident Experiences
Providing person-centred care leads to stronger relationships between professionals and Residents. When professionals treat people with dignity and respect, the experience of care is much more positive.
5. Stronger Connections With Families and Carers
Families and carers often play a vital role in a person’s care. A collaborative approach that values their involvement creates consistency and comfort, both for the resident and those closest to them.
What Does Person-Centred Care Look Like in Practice?
There’s no single way to provide person-centred care. It requires very flexible support, effective communication, and a genuine understanding of each individual. Some practical examples include:
- Creating a tailored care plan that reflects the person’s preferences, history, and goals.
- Ensuring the person is involved in all aspects of their care, from medical records to lifestyle choices.
- Allowing people to make informed decisions about their treatment and day-to-day activities.
- Using a training framework to help care teams develop the core skills education needed for person-centred care.
- Regularly reviewing care to ensure it aligns with changing needs and goals.
Professionals Behind the Practice
Delivering personalised care requires a skilled team of professionals. From nurses and carers to activity coordinators and therapists, each team member plays a vital role. Health professionals trained in transferable behaviours - such as active listening, empathy, and respectful communication - help create a safe and empowering environment.
Care homes that follow guidance from organisations like the Royal College of Nursing or the Health Foundation often demonstrate best practice in person-centred care. These bodies offer research, frameworks, and recommendations that support ongoing development in social care.
Person-Centred Care and Different Health Conditions
Every person is unique, and so is their experience with health conditions. That’s why a person-centred approach adapts to different scenarios, from recovery and rehabilitation to dementia or end of life care. For example:
- Learning disability: A personalised approach recognises each person’s communication style, preferences, and routines.
- Dementia care: Providing consistent, familiar routines and understanding personal history improves mental health and comfort.
- Long-term medical treatment: Empowering people to manage their own care supports wellbeing and promotes independence.
In most residents, the ability to manage their own health improves confidence, enhances recovery, and leads to better outcomes.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Even the most committed professionals face challenges when trying to provide truly person-centred care. Common obstacles include:
- Lack of time or resources
- Inconsistent training across teams
- Communication barriers between patients and professionals
Solutions might include implementing a strong training framework, using accessible language, and involving families in ongoing care discussions. Empowering people to speak up about their care - and acting on that feedback - is essential to achieving better health and wellbeing outcomes.
Why Person-Centred Care Should Be the Norm
The concept of person-centred care is more than a trend; it's a fundamental shift in how we deliver services across health and social care. It means that service users are not passive recipients of care, but informed individuals who are encouraged to take ownership of their own health.
This approach benefits everyone:
- Residents feel respected and supported.
- Families see their loved ones thriving.
- Professionals deliver care with purpose and clarity.
Whether it's access to the right healthcare provider, involvement in treatment decisions, or the support of a trusted care team, person-centred care makes a difference.
Person-Centred Care at Boclair Care Home
At Boclair Care Home in Bearsden, we are proud to provide person-centred care that’s built around each resident’s unique story. We develop individualised care plans in close partnership with residents and their families to ensure preferences, values, and goals are reflected in the care provided.
From emotional support to medical treatment, we focus on building meaningful relationships and delivering a quality experience every day. Whether you're looking into residential care, dementia support, or end of life care, our team is here to help you or your loved one feel respected, supported, and empowered. Get in touch to arrange a visit or learn more about our approach.
