The Importance of Person-Centred Care in Health and Social Care

What is Person-Centred Care?

Person-centred care is a compassionate and holistic approach to health and social care that places the individual at the heart of every decision. Person-centred care is a holistic approach to health and social care that places the individual at the centre of every decision. It focuses on tailoring care to meet personal needs, values, and preferences, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model. This approach treats individuals as equal partners in their care, empowering them to actively participate in planning and decision-making.

In the UK, person-centred care is a key priority across health and social care services. The Care Act 2014 mandates that care must be personalised, coordinated, and responsive to an individual’s unique circumstances. According to the NHS England Comprehensive Model of Personalised Care, over 2.5 million people have benefited from person-centred approaches that improve health outcomes and quality of life by focusing on what matters most to individuals

At its core, person-centred care is about seeing the person behind the condition. It acknowledges that everyone has their own story, values, and aspirations, which should guide the way care is provided.

Why is Person-Centred Care Important?

Person-centred care is vital because it focuses on what truly matters to the individual, improving their overall experience and well-being. Here’s why it’s so important:

Enhances Quality of Life

By tailoring care to meet personal needs and preferences, person-centred care ensures individuals feel valued and understood. This approach helps people live more fulfilling lives, even when facing health challenges, by addressing not just physical needs but emotional and social ones too.

Builds Trust and Stronger Relationships

When caregivers take the time to listen, involve individuals in decisions, and respect their choices, it creates trust. This trust strengthens the bond between caregivers and those they support, making care more effective and meaningful.

Promotes Independence, Dignity, and Respect

Person-centred care empowers individuals to remain in control of their own lives. Whether it’s choosing what to eat or how to spend their day, this approach respects personal autonomy and preserves dignity—key to ensuring people feel respected and valued.

In short, person-centred care isn’t just about meeting needs; it’s about improving lives through compassion, respect, and collaboration.

“My husband has been in Sandpiper for 3 years – its like a home from home. It’s most welcoming and the care is excellent.”

– Sandpiper Relative

Core Principles and Values of Person-Centred Care

How Many Values Support Person-Centred Care?

Person-centred care is built on foundational principles and values that ensure care is respectful, empowering, and tailored to the individual. Depending on the framework, there are 4 key principles or 8 core values that guide this approach.

The 4 Principles of Person-Centred Care

The Health Foundation outlines four key components of person-centred care:

1. Dignity, Compassion, and Respect: Every individual deserves to be treated with empathy and respect, regardless of their circumstances. This principle ensures that care is delivered in a way that values each person’s humanity and individuality.
2. Coordinated Care: Care should be seamless, especially for those requiring multiple services or transitioning between different care settings. Coordination prevents gaps and ensures a smooth experience.
3. Personalised Care: Each person’s unique needs, preferences, and values are at the center of their care plan. This principle ensures that care is as individual as the person receiving it.
4. Empowerment and Independence: Supporting individuals to recognise their own strengths and abilities fosters independence and helps them lead fulfilling lives.

The 8 Core Values of Person-Centred Care

Alternatively, Person Centred Software have outlined 8 core values:

1. Respect: Acknowledging each person’s worth and individuality.
2. Independence: Encouraging self-reliance wherever possible.
3. Individuality: Recognising that no two people are the same.
4. Privacy: Ensuring personal boundaries are respected.
5. Partnership: Involving individuals in decisions about their care.
6. Choice: Allowing people to make their own decisions.
7. Dignity: Treating everyone with respect and compassion.
8. Rights: Upholding the fundamental rights of every individual.

How These Values Guide Daily Practices in Care Homes

In care homes like Tanglewood, these principles and values shape every aspect of daily life:

• Staff take time to listen to residents’ preferences, ensuring care plans reflect their unique needs.
• Activities are designed to promote independence while respecting personal choices.
• Privacy is maintained during personal care routines, and dignity is prioritised in every interaction.

By embedding these principles into everyday practices, care homes create an environment where residents feel valued, respected, and empowered. This approach not only improves well-being but also fosters trust and stronger relationships between caregivers and residents.

How Does a Person-Centred Approach Promote Dignity?

A person-centred approach ensures that dignity is at the forefront of care by respecting individual preferences, maintaining privacy, and treating everyone with compassion. At Tanglewood Care Homes, this philosophy is embedded in daily practices to create a respectful and empowering environment.

Respecting Individual Choices

At Tanglewood, residents are actively involved in decisions about their care. For example, personalised care plans are developed in collaboration with residents and their families, ensuring that their preferences—such as meal choices, daily routines, and even who provides their care—are respected. This respect for individuality fosters a sense of self-worth and dignity.

Maintaining Privacy

Privacy is critical to preserving dignity. At Tanglewood, personal care is always delivered discreetly. Staff are trained to ensure tasks like bathing or dressing are handled respectfully, with doors closed and privacy maintained. This attention to detail helps residents feel comfortable and valued.

How Does Person-Centred Care Empower Individuals?

Person-centred care empowers individuals by giving them control over their lives and encouraging active participation in decisions about their care. At Tanglewood Care Homes, this empowerment is central to their ethos.

Encouraging Active Participation

Residents at Tanglewood are encouraged to contribute to their personalised care plans. For instance, activities are designed based on residents’ preferences, ensuring they have a say in how they spend their time. Whether it’s participating in yoga sessions or enjoying a favourite hobby, residents are actively involved in shaping their daily experiences.

Supporting Independence

Tanglewood promotes independence by enabling residents to do as much as they can for themselves. For example, the Oomph On Demand platform—used across all Tanglewood homes—offers tailored activities like chair yoga and virtual tours that residents can engage with independently or with minimal support. This not only boosts confidence but also helps individuals maintain control over their lives.

By respecting choices and fostering independence, Tanglewood ensures that residents feel empowered while living fulfilling lives in a supportive environment.

Person-Centred Care in Practice

The Role of Individualised Care Plans

In the UK, individualised care plans are a cornerstone of person-centred care, ensuring that care is tailored to meet the unique needs, preferences, and goals of each individual. According to the Care Act 2014, local authorities are legally required to provide personalised care plans that give individuals greater control over their support. Research shows that this approach not only improves satisfaction but also reduces hospital readmissions and enhances overall health outcomes.

At Tanglewood Care Homes, personalised care plans are the foundation of high-quality, person-centred care. These plans are developed collaboratively with residents and their families to ensure every individual’s unique needs, preferences, and aspirations are met.

The process begins with an in-depth assessment upon admission, where residents share their medical history, personal preferences, hobbies, and lifestyle choices. For example, dietary needs are carefully considered, with chefs tailoring meals to suit individual tastes and requirements, including vegan or diabetic options. This ensures that care is not only effective but also meaningful to the person receiving it.

Personalised care plans are reviewed regularly to adapt to any changes in a resident’s health or preferences. Families are encouraged to be part of this process, ensuring transparency and a shared understanding of how best to support their loved ones. This collaborative approach fosters trust and ensures residents feel valued and respected in every aspect of their care.

Using Resources to Apply Person-Centred Values

Tanglewood employs a variety of tools and resources to enhance personalised care delivery and create a vibrant living environment for residents.

• Activity Programs: Dedicated activities coordinators work closely with residents to design a tailored lifestyles calendar. This includes everything from arts and crafts to musical entertainment and outings, ensuring that residents can engage in hobbies they love or try new experiences.
• Dementia-Friendly Environments: For residents living with dementia, Tanglewood provides specialised support through compassionate staff and thoughtfully designed spaces that help individuals feel safe and settled.
• On-Site Amenities: Features like cinema rooms, hair salons, cafes, and bars create a homely atmosphere where residents can enjoy social interactions and maintain a sense of normalcy.

These resources not only enhance daily life but also ensure that care is delivered in line with each resident’s preferences and values.

Active Participation: The Main Goals

Active participation is at the heart of person-centred care at Tanglewood. By involving residents in decisions about their care and daily activities, Tanglewood fosters independence and builds a sense of community.

• Encouraging Resident Input: Monthly meetings give residents the opportunity to share feedback on everything from meal choices to activity schedules. This ensures that their voices are heard, and their preferences shape the services provided.
• Promoting Mental Well-Being: Engaging in meaningful activities has been shown to improve mental health. Whether it’s participating in yoga sessions or simply enjoying a relaxed evening with friends, these moments contribute to a greater sense of purpose and happiness.

This approach benefits mental well-being by fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. For example, participating in group activities like gardening clubs or exercise classes not only keeps residents physically active but also helps build friendships within the community. By prioritising collaboration and active involvement, Tanglewood creates an environment where residents feel empowered, connected, and supported in living life on their own terms.

Why Choose Tanglewood for Person-Centred Care?

Tanglewood Care Homes stands out as a trusted provider of person-centred care, offering tailored support across its 18 care homes in the UK, primarily located in Lincolnshire and surrounding areas. With a strong focus on independence, dignity, and well-being, Tanglewood provides a wide range of care services, including residential care, dementia care, nursing care, palliative care, and respite care, ensuring that every resident receives the support they need in a comfortable and nurturing environment.

“Dreams come true, sparkling love and care. Wonderful entertainment.”

–  Holbeach Meadows Resident.

If you’re looking for compassionate, personalised care for your loved one, Tanglewood Care Homes offers the perfect solution. Contact us at 01205 358888 to learn more about how we can support your family.

Experience the difference of person-centred care with Tanglewood—where happiness truly is our reward.