The phrase "person-centred care" is used throughout the health and social care sector. But at Hearthstone Supported Living, it is not a buzzword -- it is the foundation upon which our entire service is built. In this article, we explain what person-centred care truly means and how we bring it to life.
What Does Person-Centred Care Mean?
Person-centred care means designing and delivering support around the individual, not the organisation. It means recognising that every person is unique, with their own history, personality, preferences, strengths, and aspirations. Rather than fitting people into a pre-set care model, we shape our support to fit each person.
Person-centred care asks: "What matters TO you?" not "What is the matter WITH you?"
This shift in perspective is transformative. Instead of focusing solely on diagnoses and deficits, we start with the whole person -- their hopes, their interests, their relationships, and their goals for the future.
The Principles Behind Our Approach
Our person-centred approach is guided by several core principles:
Our Person-Centred Principles
- Individuality: Every person is treated as a unique individual, not a label or diagnosis
- Choice: People have the right to make informed decisions about their own lives
- Strengths-based: We focus on what people can do, not what they cannot
- Relationships: Genuine, trusting relationships between staff and individuals are essential
- Flexibility: Support adapts to changing needs, preferences, and circumstances
- Co-production: Care plans are created with the person, not for them
How We Put It Into Practice
Getting to Know Each Person
Before anyone moves into our 4-bedroom home, we invest significant time in getting to know them. We meet with the individual, their family, their current support team, and any other important people in their life. We learn about their communication preferences, daily routines, favourite foods, hobbies, fears, and dreams. We want to understand how they like their personal space as well as how they interact in shared areas like the kitchen, lounge, and garden.
This information forms the foundation of a comprehensive person-centred support plan that is truly individual.
Support Plans Built Around Goals
Our support plans are not just lists of tasks. They are living documents that capture:
- What is important TO the person (their priorities, not ours)
- What is important FOR the person (health, safety, wellbeing)
- How to support the person at their best
- Communication preferences and strategies
- Personal goals and the steps to achieve them
- Risk enablement -- supporting positive risk-taking
Consistent, Matched Staff
We carefully match our support staff to each individual. We consider personality compatibility, shared interests, communication styles, and specialist skills. Consistency of staff is crucial -- it builds trust, understanding, and genuine relationships.
Active Support and Meaningful Activities
We use an Active Support model, which means our staff are trained to engage people in meaningful everyday activities -- from cooking and cleaning to hobbies and outings. This is not about doing things for people, but about supporting them to participate and contribute at their own level. Every day, the people we support have real choices about how they spend their time. Whether that is preparing a meal together in the shared kitchen, tending the garden, going for a walk, visiting a friend, or simply having a quiet day in their own bedroom -- the choice is always theirs.
Positive Behaviour Support
We follow a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) framework, which means that when people display behaviours of concern, we look beyond the behaviour itself to understand the underlying needs, triggers, and communication. Rather than reacting to behaviour, we work proactively to create environments and support plans that reduce the likelihood of distress and promote positive outcomes.
Regular Reviews and Adaptation
People change, grow, and develop. So our support plans are reviewed regularly -- formally on a monthly basis, but informally every day. If something is not working, we change it. If someone achieves a goal, we celebrate it and set new ones together.
Person-Centred Care in Everyday Moments
True person-centred care is not just about formal care plans and reviews. It shows up in the everyday moments:
- Remembering that someone likes their tea with two sugars and served in their favourite mug
- Knowing that a particular person finds loud noises distressing and adjusting the environment accordingly
- Understanding that someone communicates best through pictures rather than words
- Recognising when someone is having a difficult day and offering quiet, non-intrusive support
- Celebrating small victories that mean the world to the individual
These details may seem small, but they are the fabric of dignified, respectful care. They communicate to the person: "I see you. I know you. You matter."
The Role of Families and Circles of Support
Person-centred care extends beyond the individual. We recognise the vital role that families, friends, and advocates play. We actively involve families in care planning (with the individual's consent), provide regular updates, and welcome visits and input. A strong circle of support benefits everyone.
Measuring Person-Centred Outcomes
How do we know our approach is working? We measure outcomes that matter to the individual, not just organisational metrics:
- Are they achieving their personal goals?
- Are they happier and more fulfilled?
- Do they have meaningful relationships and activities?
- Are they more independent than when they arrived?
- Do they feel listened to and respected?
These are the questions that guide our continuous improvement efforts.
Experience Person-Centred Care at Hearthstone
If you are looking for a supported living provider that truly puts people first, we would love to talk to you.
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