When it comes to caregiving, there is a major difference between simply completing tasks and truly making a positive impact on someone’s life. That difference lies in person-centered care.
At its core, person-centered care is about seeing and supporting each person as an individual. It means treating people with dignity, honoring their choices, and making sure they feel valued. Instead of just providing care, you are creating meaningful relationships and helping people maintain control over their own lives.
Let’s take a deeper look at what person-centered care is and how you can apply it in your daily caregiving routine.
What is Person-Centered Care?
Person-centered care is a caregiving approach that focuses on the needs, preferences, and experiences of the individual receiving care. It goes beyond physical assistance and looks at the whole person—their history, interests, routines, and personal values.
This means:
✅ Taking time to understand who they are, not just what care they need.
✅ Respecting their choices and preferences, even when they differ from your own.
✅ Supporting them in a way that makes them feel comfortable and in control.
Imagine if someone came into your home and started rearranging your furniture, moving your coffee pot, or changing your routine without asking. Even if they thought they were helping, it would probably feel frustrating. That is how it can feel for people when their routines and preferences are not respected.
By taking a person-centered approach, caregivers can provide support in a way that feels natural and empowering to the people they care for.
Learning About the Person
One of the most important aspects of person-centered care is taking the time to learn about the individual. While care plans provide useful information, the best way to understand someone is through conversation, observation, and meaningful interactions.
Some ways to do this include:
🔹 Listening to their stories – Ask about their past, family, or favorite memories.
🔹 Observing their habits – Do they prefer quiet mornings, a particular meal, or a daily routine?
🔹 Asking simple questions – "How do you like things done?" "What makes you feel most comfortable?"
For example, let’s say you care for Mrs. Lee, who enjoys having a cup of tea and reading the newspaper every morning before starting her day. If you rush in and begin assisting with her morning care without acknowledging this, she may feel unsettled. However, if you recognize and support her routine, she will feel much more at ease.
These small efforts show respect for the individual and build trust, making care a more positive experience for both of you.
Valuing and Respecting People
Respect is a cornerstone of quality caregiving. One of the simplest ways to show respect is through the language you use.
For example, instead of saying:
❌ “Al is a dementia patient.”
Try saying:
✅ “Al is a person living with dementia.”
This small shift in language places the person before their condition, recognizing that they are more than their diagnosis.
If you are ever unsure about how someone wants to be addressed—whether it is their name, pronouns, or cultural preferences—just ask. Taking the time to acknowledge someone’s identity and preferences goes a long way in making them feel valued.
Supporting Independence and Offering Choices
Another key element of person-centered care is supporting independence whenever possible. This can be as simple as offering choices throughout the day.
For example, instead of saying:
❌ “It’s time to get dressed now.”
Try asking:
✅ “Would you like to wear your blue sweater or your gray one today?”
Even small decisions like choosing their clothing or meal options helps a person feel a sense of control over their lives. Offering choices empowers them and reinforces that their opinions matter.
Balancing What is Important TO a Person vs. Important FOR a Person
A person-centered approach also requires balancing what is important TO a person with what is important FOR them.
For example, someone may love sweets (important TO them), but if they have diabetes, managing their diet is important FOR their health.
Instead of simply taking something away, caregivers can help people find a balance. Maybe they can enjoy a small treat instead of a large one, or explore healthier alternatives that still satisfy their cravings.
Caregivers should always encourage informed choices rather than imposing strict rules. The goal is to support both happiness and well-being while respecting personal preferences.
Real-Life Example of Person-Centered Care
Let’s say you are helping Mr. Thompson get dressed. You could quickly pick out his clothes and assist him, but a person-centered approach would involve asking for his input.
By saying, “Would you like to wear your blue sweater or the gray one today?” you are:
✅ Acknowledging his independence
✅ Showing that his preferences matter
✅ Reinforcing his control over his daily routine
This small moment of decision making helps him feel respected and more engaged in his own care.
Key Takeaways for Caregivers
1️⃣ Learn about people – Take time to understand who they are beyond their care needs.
2️⃣ Value people – Use respectful language and acknowledge their identity.
3️⃣ Support independence – Encourage people to make choices whenever possible.
4️⃣ Balance what is important TO and FOR them – Help them find a balance that supports both their happiness and health.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, person-centered care is about treating people the way we would want to be treated. It is about respect, dignity, and making sure that every they feel heard and valued.
As caregivers, we have the privilege of making a real difference in people’s lives. When we take the time to listen, respect, and empower those we care for, we create a more positive and fulfilling caregiving experience for everyone involved.
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