What is “Person-Centered” Care?

This approach recognizes that every person is more than their medical history; they are a whole being with hopes, relationships, and experiences. Here’s a closer look at what “person-centered” means in practice and why it matters for older adults and their families.

A focus on the individual: In person-centered care, the individual receiving care is at the center of every decision. This means caregivers and medical professionals prioritize their the patient’s preferences, goals, and values above all else. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, care plans are tailored to meet the each person’s specific needs and wishes of each person.

For example:

• A patient with diabetes might prioritize managing their condition in a way that lets them continue their favorite hobbies, such as baking with their grandchildren.
• An older adult in assisted living may prefer a daily routine that matches their lifelong habits, such as waking up early to enjoy coffee while reading the newspaper.

Respect and dignity: Being person-centered means treating individuals with respect, acknowledging their autonomy, and valuing prioritizing their input. Even when someone requires significant assistance with day-to-day activities, they are still in charge of their life.

For instance, in a hospital setting, a person-centered approach might involve asking a patient how they’d like to be addressed, such as by their first name or formal title, and involving them in discussions about their treatment options.

Listening and collaboration: True person-centered care is a partnership. It involves health care providers actively listening to the person receiving care and including them—and their loved ones, if they choose—in decision-making. This collaboration ensures that care aligns with what matters most to the individual.

For example:

• A care team might ask a family about cultural or religious practices that are important to incorporate into care routines.
• During rehabilitation after an injury, a therapist might work with the individual to set recovery goals based on what they want to achieve, such as regaining the ability to walk with their dog.

Seeing the whole person: Person-centered care goes beyond physical health. It considers emotional, social, and mental well-being, as well as personal identity. Care providers strive to understand the person’s history, relationships, and interests to provide meaningful and compassionate support.

For example:

• In a memory care setting, staff might learn about a resident’s favorite music or past profession to connect with them on a deeper level and create moments of joy.
• A doctor might consider a patient’s mental health and stress levels when designing a treatment plan, understanding how these factors impact overall health.

Flexibility and adaptability: Person-centered care adapts to the individual’s changing needs and desires of the individual. As circumstances evolve, care plans are adjusted to ensure they remain relevant and respectful of the person’s wishes.

For example:

• A cancer patient may start with an aggressive treatment plan but later prioritize comfort and quality of life. A person-centered approach would honor that shift and adapt the care accordingly.

Person-centered care improves not only the quality of care but also the quality of life. Research shows that individuals who feel heard, respected, and involved in their care decisions are more likely to experience better outcomes, greater satisfaction, and improved well-being.

For families, knowing that their loved one is seen and valued as a whole person—not just as a list of medical conditions—provides peace of mind.

How you can advocate for person-centered care 

If you or a loved one are navigating health care or caregiving services, here are some steps you can take to ensure a person-centered approach:

• Speak up: Share preferences, values, and goals with care providers.
• Ask questions: Make sure you understand care options and feel included in decisions.
• Build relationships: Get to know your care team and help them understand your story.

By embracing person-centered care, medical professionals, caregivers, and families can work together to honor the individuality of each person and create a truly meaningful care experience.