Written by Jessica Skinner, Behavioral Health Provider at the Family Health Clinic. By the year 2030, almost one-fifth of the American population is expected to be 65 years or older. People are living longer and fuller lives; however many are living with chronic conditions that require extra care and assistance on a daily basis. The type of care that people receive can greatly impact not only their quality of life, but their overall well-being and the costs of their care over time.
What is a Person-Centered Approach?
A person-centered approach looks at each individual’s history and circumstances. For those that are caregivers of this aging population, it can be a challenging, yet unique task.
The American Association of Retired Persons found that 90% of elders want to “age in place”, which means they want to stay in their own homes and not move to nursing homes or assisted-living facilities. There are many reasons why this is, but the main reason is they do not want to lose their sense of independence. They also have many treasured memories and familiar routines that they find comfort in.
However, as people age, the may experience living alone for the first time, their families moving away, or their own abilities change and they may start to feel isolated and overwhelmed, leading to feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and/or boredom. Studies have shown links between loneliness and depression leading to an increased risk of dementia.
The Benefits of a Person-Centered Approach
The focus of the person-centered approach is to use their current strengths and abilities within their care and not on what they are unable to do for themselves. For example, when a caregiver is using a traditional approach, they may come in and prepare meals for someone who can no long perform various and potentially dangerous tasks in the kitchen.
In the person-centered approach, the first step is finding out if the elder person used to enjoy cooking for themselves, what their favorite foods are, and where they prefer to eat in their home. Also understanding their abilities to participate in the process of making the meal can be beneficial for them as well. This allows the caregiver to get to know the person and not just their limitations due to illness or age.
When this empowering approach is used, it creates opportunities for both the caregiver and the elderly. The caregiver is not just proving care to someone, but is also learning from him or her and the elder person feels valued in what they are sharing. By caregivers listening to the other person, they are able to take the person’s values, interests, and abilities into consideration, while ensuring that their physical needs are being met.
A person-centered approach to care embraces all that a life fully lives has to offer and helps that person to continue growing by building on their current strengths and abilities, not their limitations.
Experience a person-centered approach.
To experience a person-centered approach to your healthcare, make an appointment to see one of our healthcare providers by calling (800) 321-5043.
Or if you’re a caretaker for the elderly and you’d like to know more about how to implement a person-centered approach, call (800) 321-5043 and ask to speak to Jessica Skinner.
