Lead person-centred practice

1.1 – Explain person centred practice

Person centred practice is care being provided which centres on the individual Service User’s needs. This puts the service user and their family at the centre of all care planning. The care plans are then centred on them as an individual with their own personality and preferences. The person centred approach takes into account their beliefs, likes and dislikes, choice, dignity and respect. This in turn allows the service user to have control over how they are cared for and how they choose to live their life even within a Nursing home setting.

1.2 – Critically review approaches to person centred practice

The changes that have occurred involving person centered practice have changed the way Nursing Homes have cared for individuals. In he past it has been known that homes have made decisions which are best for the home and although could benefit service users as a whole did not take into account the needs of an individual. This is surrounding issues of institutionalisation as the decisions were made on behalf of all service users and not on the needs of someone in particular and their likes or dislikes.

As a home we have care plans which are very person centred. We carry out a thorough pre admission assessment before admission so that all measures can be put in place for their individual needs ie. Beliefs, room decoration, situation of room before they are admitted. We also carry out a social assessment on admission to find out who the individual is and what they like/dislike. This enables us to centre the care plans around them personally and be able to help them make decisions about their care. We also work very closely with the relatives as they know them the best and ask them to assist us to provide the best individual care we can.

Obviously we also have to take into account the views of multi-disciplinary teams to provide the best clinical care we can, but we ensure that these are still in line with the personal preferences of the service user by discussing all requirements with them and helping them to make an informed choice.

Assessments are then reviewed monthly to ensure all personal needs are met and are continuing to be relevant and personal centred. The family also are able to read and give input on any care plans which are individualised for the service user where required.

1.3 – Analyse the effect of legislation and policy on person centred practice

Legislation and policies on person centred care have totally changed the way we care for individuals. Homes before this legislation would often be extremely institutional and it was felt that people requiring care did not need to make choices for themselves and were no longer to be seen as an individual. The first changes seemed to take place but this still did not give individuals the right to choose. Decisions were being made with the individual in mind but did not give them any independence to assist with choices when it came to their care. In 2001 person centred planning came into force and allowed people to make choices. This is now reflected in care homes where service users are actively involved in making decisions and having input in their care planning. Individuals and relatives help develop the care plans to centre around the preferences of the service user whilst still providing a high level of care. Other legislation such as the human rights act 1998, mental health act 2005 and the health and social care act 2008 help to ensure choices are being made where possible and the best interests of each individual are maintained.

1.5 – Explain how person centred practice can result in positive changes in individuals’ lives

Person centred practice empowers the individual to make their own decisions. When a service user comes into our nursing home they do not feel as though they have lost their identity, which is a concern usually felt by both the service user and their family. If individuals do not have choice and they feel they loose their identity they often withdraw and no longer feel like an individual. This has long terms effects on the individual and can often result in depression and total lack of confidence. By finding out who the individual is when they join us we are able to centre activities and events around their likes and hobbies, this way the individual feel confident and will then join in other activities as they feel part of a community and that their views and opinions count. This also enables them to form relationships both with staff and other service users within the home. As a home we ensure that service users are placed with others with similar interests and communication needs so they are able to socialise. Service users in the home feel part of a larger family and that their input in that group is valued.

2.1 – Support others to work with individuals to establish their history, preferences, wishes and needs

Within the home we have an activities organiser who is responsible for all social needs of the service user. The activities organiser along with a registered nurse will carry out the ‘life history’ and social assessment on admission. This enables us to find out the exact likes and dislikes of the individual and be able to put a social plan alongside all other care plans in place based on the personal information gained. This information is available to all staff caring for the service user and instantly all staff know what to talk about with the service users to get them to feel confident in receiving care. This is handed over to all staff on shift on admission and then carried over to all other staff on shift change. Often where possible family members also are involved in this assessment especially where communication is difficult to ensure everyone, regardless of their abilities, have the same person centred care.