Person-centred care offers a wealth of advantages when compared to the standard prescriptive model.
By recognising the inherent worth and unique strengths of the individual, person-centred care upholds respect, dignity and independence.
Just as no two people have the exact same needs, everybody possesses an individual combination of abilities and values – Something that conventional one-size-fits-all care plans fail to address. In taking these into account, the person-centred model doesn't just result in better outcomes for the service user; it champions the fundamental value of equality.
What does equality in person-centred care look like?
Equality in person-centred care begins with understanding and respecting diversity in all its wonderful forms, including:
- Cultural backgrounds
- Religious beliefs
- Language
- Physical abilities
- Physical mobility
- Social identity
In accounting for the spectrum of ways in which humans are unique and special, person-centred care plans allow for the customisation of care plans and services to meet their specific needs. Whether it's adapting to cultural practices, accommodating physical limitations or honouring person choices, person-centred care recognises that one size does not fit all.
A care plan that accounts for an individual's mobility and dietary needs but not their cultural background and the ways this could influence their culinary tastes, for example, would not be fit for purpose.
Even worse, it could be argued that this oversight would leave them disadvantaged, thereby failing to uphold the core value of equality.
What happens when equality is achieved in a person-centred care plan?
More than simply being the right thing to do, true equality within a person-centred care plan unlocks a new level of effectiveness and trust between the service user and care provider. The result is not just a higher standard of caregiving, but truly exceptional care overall.
By going beyond a simple checklist and making equality a focus, we build:
A better Caregiving relationship
Simply put, people like feeling valued. Experience has taught us that when service users feel that their individuality and preferences are acknowledged, the relationship between them and their caregiver is strengthened.
Not only does their relationship often flourish into a friendship, but they can communicate and collaborate more intuitively.
A more positive and inclusive environment
Equality creates a welcoming environment where everybody feels seen and heard, and therefore comfortable expressing their needs. This means that service users can express their needs, preferences and opinions without hesitation, becoming active participants within their care plan.
The result is, in turn, better adherence to their care plan and more consistent progress on the service user's journey towards independence.
Better outcomes for the service user
It's the little things that make a big difference. By recognising personal preferences, the timeline of a person-centred care plan can be streamlined as the service user moves towards independence.
Maybe a service user feels they need a little bit of extra assistance in light of a new medication, resulting in extra hours of contact being added to a care plan. Equally, it could be that they feel more confident in their abilities, and so request that the care plan begin to be winded down as they move towards independence.
These are important developments in a care plan that a conventional medical approach would miss.
How do Stepping Stones to Independence strive for equality in person-centred care?
If it was easy then everybody would do it!
That's why we always carry out our care plans with open minds and open hearts, and are always making an effort to educate ourselves.
Here's how we work towards equality:
- Taking our time to know the care recipient – Though this is the foundation of any person-centred care plan, we go the extra mile whenever and however we can. This means understanding cultural backgrounds, preferences, values and even hobbies, and only begin implementing the care plan once we're sure we've heard and processed the recipient's unique story.
- Unmasking unconscious biases – We all have them, unfortunately. Our starting out is first acknowledging this inconvenient fact, and then actively moving to overcome them. This way, we make sure that everybody feels respected and understood regardless of their backgrounds.
- Committing ourselves to continuous learning – The world is a wonderfully diverse and ever-evolving place, which means we need to stay on the cutting edge. We actively try to broaden our horizons and strive to learn something every day, ensuring our care plans remain culturally sensitive.
- Being open to feedback – Equality thrives on open communication. That's why we actively encourage our clients and their families to share their thoughts, preferences and concerns.
Putting everything together
In summary, equality isn't some lofty goal we set ourselves or an optional bonus to person-centred care – It's what makes the care plan truly transformative.
By making equality a focus, we move from beyond simply meeting needs to honouring the inherent worth and dignity of the individual and fostering a culture of respect where everybody feels valued.
Care knows no boundaries - Everybody deserves to be treated with equality and compassion. We believe that our focus on equality doesn't just benefit our service users; it elevates the entire caregiving profession and creates a more compassionate world for all.
