How many values are there that support person-centred care?

1. Respect

Involving the person being cared for in any decision-making process, acknowledging and respecting their values, needs and preferences, treating them with dignity, and always being sensitive to their needs is essential. 

2. Independence

Encourage the people you care for to do things for themselves, even if it's just a small task. Avoid doing things for them just to save time. Instead, support them in doing tasks they are capable of or almost capable of. Promoting independence can empower individuals to feel in-charge of their own lives and increase their self-value.

3. Individuality 

A person's individuality is defined by life experiences, upbringing, personality, religious and cultural identity etc. It's important to acknowledge and respect individuality by recognising and responding to each person in a way that is acceptable and meaningful to them. Providing care and support cannot be accomplished with a "one size fits all" approach.

4. Privacy

Everyone has the right to privacy, which means they have the right to control how information about them is used and shared. It's important to respect people's preferences when sharing personal information. Privacy is also linked to dignity, especially for those who need help with personal care - for example, toileting and bathing, doors should be closed during personal hygiene activities to ensure privacy.

5. Partnership

Instead of health and care professionals providing advice on care and treatment and the care recipient just following instructions, professionals should collaborate with individuals regarding their care and treat them as equals. Partnering with the individual involves including them in the decision-making process, working alongside them to determine the best care and treatment options, identifying their needs and what's important to them, and figuring out their goals and how to achieve them together.

6. Choice

It's important to support each individual in making their own choices and decisions regarding their care and treatment and provide them with the necessary information to do so.

7. Dignity

Promoting dignity in care is extremely important; showing respect and value for each individual, supporting their independence and helping them to feel dignified is a key part of person-centred care. It's the responsibility of health and care professionals to help the person being cared for to maintain their dignity, for example;

Giving the individual space and time to do things at their own pace 
Providing privacy during intimate care tasks
Being respectful when helping with personal hygiene tasks
Offering people choices over their care options and asking about their preferences for care

8. Rights

It's important to ensure that the people you care for and support have the same rights as they did when living independently. Each person you support has the right to say no and have a say in how they want to be supported. They also have the right to choose what they want to eat, wear, and do with their time, along with choosing their friends and relationships. Making changes to consider an individual's rights is important, provided that their safety is not compromised.