Person Centered Care programs make use of an interdisciplinary team that can include doctors, nurses, paid care givers and social service providers to offer coordinated care that considers the full range of needs of individuals and their families. Sometimes referred to as patient-centered care or person and family centered care (PFCC), PCC has been shown to enhance the quality-of-life for the persons served and can help lower the costs of care by reducing unnecessary services.
Person centered care places the individual in need of care and their family at the center of the decision-making process, instead of letting only medical professionals dictate the care options available to them.
And, rather than just addressing specific illnesses, injuries or other care needs individually, person centered care considers the senior or disabled adult as a complete person and can often see how particular ailments and care can often be interconnected or addressed comprehensively.
Where Can Person Centered Care Be Found?
Person centered care is a relatively new approach to long-term care, and has not yet been fully integrated across health care and long-term services and supports (LTSS). However, changes in the healthcare system and growing evidence of the effectiveness of person centered care, is likely to promote wider adoption and effective implementation of this type of care.
It’s important to talk to your healthcare professional, including your primary care provider or any care option you are considering, to find out if they implement person centered care. Person centered practitioners focus on improving different aspects of the patient-physician interaction by employing measurable skills and behaviors.
While many hospitals and care facilities are offering improved amenities, such as advanced medical technology, boutique services (such as gourmet meals and remodeled facilities), and electronic health records, these improvements should not be confused or conflated with person centered care. All of these improvements are commendable, however, true person centered care should be focused on respecting and seriously considering a patient’s preferences, concerns and values, and involves them in the decision-making process for their own care.
When visiting your physician or healthcare provider, be sure to ask questions, listen and communicate what is important to you about your care or that of your loved ones.
To find the best care options in your area and to learn more about person centered care, get started with MyCareMatch today.