What Is Person-Centred Care?

When you or an ageing parent need a little extra help with personal and medical care, it's common to feel anxious and uncertain.

A change in your loved one's needs can bring up concerns about getting the care they need while maintaining their dignity and independence.

This is why learning about 'person-centred care' is so helpful. As the name implies, this type of care puts the persons' needs, abilities and wishes at the centre of all decision-making and care.

What does Person-Centred Care mean?

Person-centred care is a philosophy of care built on treating people with dignity and respect - ensuring they have a voice in all decisions and the care they receive. It is a holistic approach and covers all aspects of care, from medical and dental needs, to physio and music therapy to customised activities.

Evidence shows that when clients and residents consider themselves partners with their care providers, safety, wellbeing and quality of care improve.

So, what does it take to build those types of partnerships? Here's what the experts say person-centred care looks like in an aged care home:

• Your care comes to you. Doctors, nurses, dentists, physios, podiatrists, hairdressers and more – treat you in your aged care home or suite. For example, Mayflower offers onsite hairdressing and beauty salons – so you can have your hair made without needing to leave home.
• Your wishes come first. You will be asked upfront about your care preferences and needs, so the care provider can create a plan that accommodates and supports the way you want to live.
• You are empowered to choose what you do and when – this can be from a personal care perspective and a leisure perspective. For example if you want to sleep in and then have a physiotherapy session in your room, then you absolutely can.
• Two-way communication is encouraged. Your care partner thoughtfully explains issues, makes time for all your questions and concerns, and works with you to achieve your goals.
• You are well informed. Your care provider shares clear information on treatment and care options and gives you the time you need to make your own decisions.
• The care environment is designed to help residents and family members to feel safe, comfortable and at home. For example, at Mayflower we supply facilities such as a library, café, bowling green, cinema, as well as private dining spaces and kitchens.
• Diversity is recognised, honoured, and respected. This includes everything from dietary requirements, religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds, to ability and sexual orientation.

Using a Person-Centred Care approach for seniors living with dementia

When a person is living with dementia, person-centred care can help address some of the issues families experience as the condition progresses.

One of the more difficult moments is seeing a health care professional treating your loved one as a disease without recognising who they are as a person.

Because dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, it's important health care providers understand the condition, and how to nurture the person they truly are – beyond dementia.

At Mayflower, we understand the importance of seeing the whole person, as a person.

Because verbal communication skills often become impaired when a person has dementia, our carers find other ways to communicate using body language, and love to learn more about the persons' story – discovering what makes them unique.

By understanding who the resident is and more about their life experiences, carers gain insight into what really matters most. When a person has advanced dementia, that valuable insight often comes through family members and friends sharing photos and stories.

Person-centred care also creates connections in ways that allow the resident to feel seen and heard. For someone with dementia, that is essential for nurturing the spirit, and building trust.

Living your life - your way

At Mayflower, we understand that individual wishes can change, that is why people — and their needs — are the heart and soul of everything we do.

We want to make every day better for our residents by providing genuine, individually tailored support and care. Our team takes the time to really get to know each resident and their family. We find out what you love and how you

like to live, then together, we create a personalised plan that nurtures your independence, lifestyle and social connections.

By putting people first, our residents are in control of their own lives; they can make their own plans, set their own agenda and take each day at a pace that suits them.

With registered nurses on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we can provide a full range of care services with a focus on wellness, reablement and ageing in place, so you can feel confident knowing that we can support you — whatever your needs may be.

Whether you are looking for home care for a loved one living with dementia or are interested in aged care, Mayflower's friendly team members can help. Contact us today to learn more.