Supporting Independence and Dignity: A Person-Centered Care Framework

Person-centered care prioritizes the individual's preferences, needs, and values while fostering autonomy and preserving dignity. The following principles form a practical framework:

Core Principles

1. Respect

• Treat every person with courtesy and kindness.
• Listen actively to concerns and opinions.
• Honor the right to make informed choices, even if you disagree.
• Be sensitive to cultural, religious, spiritual, and personal beliefs.

2. Empowerment

• Encourage maximum independence in daily activities.
• Support skill-building and knowledge acquisition for self-management.
• Provide tools, adaptations, and information to enable decision-making.

3. Communication

• Use clear, jargon-free language tailored to the person's understanding.
• Practice active listening; confirm comprehension.
• Be honest and transparent about care options, risks, and outcomes.

4. Collaboration

• Co-create care plans with the individual (and family, if desired).
• Involve the person in all decisions affecting their care.
• Coordinate across disciplines for seamless support.

5. Privacy

• Protect personal information confidentiality (HIPAA/GDPR compliance).
• Ensure physical privacy during care (knock, close curtains, drape appropriately).
• Allow uninterrupted private time.

6. Choice

• Offer meaningful options (e.g., meal times, activities, caregivers).
• Respect the right to refuse treatment or care interventions.
• Document choices and rationales.

Additional Practices

• Patience & Flexibility: Adapt routines to individual rhythms and changing needs.
• Positivity & Encouragement: Focus on strengths and progress.
• Role Modeling: Demonstrate self-respect and healthy boundaries.

Consistent application of these principles builds trust, enhances well-being, and improves care outcomes.