How Person-Centered Care Enhances Quality of Life for Elderly Patients

When friends and families are searching for a comprehensive in-home care plan for the seniors in their lives, it can be challenging to know which solution is the best for their needs. 

There are numerous approaches and care initiatives to choose from, all with their unique advantages. These days, many care providers are incorporating a philosophy of person-centered care. But what does this care style entail, and how does it enhance the quality of life for older adults?

This article will guide you through the definitions and benefits of this approach to in-home care. Whether you’re seeking an in-home care provider or simply eager to learn more, you can feel empowered to make the next step in your care journey with the information presented here. 

Understanding Person-Centered Care

Person-centered care, also known as patient-centered care, client-centered care, or family-centered care, is an innovative approach in healthcare. 

It ensures that care recipients and their families have an active role alongside care providers in developing a plan. This system harmoniously combines expert recommendations with a client’s personal wishes to create a strategy that every stakeholder agrees on, leading to better care outcomes and success. 

In simpler terms, person-centered care essentially means that every step and plan is crafted based solely on the care receiver's preferences, needs, goals, and values. This approach is all about empowering them to live independently and keep their connections with people around them alongside care providers who can put a stop to risky moves or inform them about their choices.

Still confused? Well, stay tuned as we give you an in-depth explanation of this approach below.

Communication: The Core of Person-Centered Care

For in-home care services, communication is about more than enabling discussions between caregivers and recipients. True communication ensures seniors and their families feel comfortable expressing their needs because they know caregivers will listen with empathy to gain a full understanding. 

In person-centered care plans, caregivers also strive to provide families with frequent and ongoing updates about their loved one’s condition. These updates can be about positive milestones and daily routines. They can also inform families of any concerning changes or symptoms. 

In this way, caregivers act as a first line of defense, signaling when certain behaviors or signs should be monitored and investigated further. 

Strengthening The Caregiver-Recipient Bond Through Participation 

One of the primary goals of in-home care solutions for seniors is to allow them to maintain their independence and dignity. That’s why person-centered care emphasizes the importance of participation from seniors and their loved ones when devising a care strategy.

This way, older adults feel they have control and input over their care. Participation creates a partnership built on mutual respect and trust. In many cases, it builds a strong relationship between seniors and caregivers, uniting them in the shared goal of creating the most beneficial care system. 

Collaboratively Creating Person-Centered Care Plans 

Ultimately, the pillars of transparent communication and recipient participation lead to a collaborative personal care plan.

In the past, other care models focused on the authority of the care provider, ignoring crucial details and essential information from the client or their families. However, through collaboration and person-centered care, insights related to a senior’s personal preferences, religious or cultural traditions, and medical needs are all utilized to carry out daily care. 

Collaboration between caregivers, seniors, and any other invested parties is an ongoing process that seeks to provide the best care and quality of life possible. 

What Are The Benefits of Person-Centered Care?

So far, we have explored the definitions of person-centered care and how it is implemented for in-home care services. 
If you’re wondering why this practice is beneficial for older adults and how it enhances their quality of life, this section highlights the key advantages of this approach, including:

• Giving seniors and their families a voice in creating and implementing personal care plans. 
• Enabling open and frequent communication between caregivers, seniors, and families. 
• Ensuring personalized care plans are followed according to every client’s unique needs and preferences. 
• Strengthening the relationship between caregivers and families, building a strong and trustworthy bond. 
• Allowing families to express preferences based on religious or cultural practices. 
• Focusing on the entire well-being of older adults, including their physical, mental, emotional, and social health. 

Together, these outcomes create a comprehensive personal care plan that facilitates a positive relationship between caregivers and care recipients. 

In-Home Care Services and Person-Centered Care

Since client-centered care is integral to the success of home care for seniors, every caregiver keeps this practice at the forefront when carrying out various services, including:

• Personal care services and activities of daily living 
• Memory care, including care for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s
• Companion care
• Transitional care
• Disability management 
• Palliative care

Whether you or a loved one needs assistance with daily activities or the specialized care of a professional experienced with dementia care, you can rest assured that a person-centered approach will be implemented. 

In addition to the numerous advantages of client-centered care, seniors will also benefit from:

• Receiving care in their home, surrounded by a familiar environment. 
• Maintaining their independence and personal routine. 
• A flexible care schedule tailored to their needs and preferences. 
• Reliable and professional caregivers who are trained to support the well-being of older adults specifically. 

Do You Need A Provider That Practices Person-Centered Care?

At ComForCare, person-centered care is at the heart of our operations. 

When a family contacts us for in-home care services for their loved one, they are greeted by a care coordinator who listens to develop a care plan customized to their unique needs. For more than 30 years, we have become integral support systems for families across Canada and the US. Our professional care services, rooted in compassion and dedication, set us apart from other care providers. 

If you’re looking for a trustworthy in-home care provider, we’re here to collaborate with you and ensure your every need is met. Give us a call today to learn more about person-centered care!