Define person-centred values

Person-centred values are the foundation of safe, effective and high-quality care. You should encompass person-centred values in all aspects of your role as a health and social care worker.

But what exactly are person-centred values?

They are a set of values that put the individual receiving care at the core of the care provision. This can include ensuring that they are empowered to be independent and speak up if they are not happy or make a complaint. It also includes tailoring an individual’s care package to their own unique needs, wishes and preferences and ensuring that they are able to make their own choices and that their rights are upheld.

These approaches are underpinned by the following specific values, which you should be mindful of when practising care:

• Respect – You should show respect for the individuals that you work with. As well as including common courtesy, this should also involve respect for their culture, beliefs, views and outlook on life, even if they differ from your own.
• Choice – All individuals receiving care should be able to make their own choices in their life and care and not have decisions made for them by health and social care professionals (although there are sometimes exceptions to this, for example, if an individual lacks mental capacity, however, all options should be explored for an individual to still make their own choices before this happens).
• Independence – All individuals should be empowered to be as independent as possible. This may include helping them to develop skills so that they do not have to be dependent on others or using assistive technologies.
• Dignity – All individuals receiving care should have their dignity maintained at all times. Again, common courtesy comes into this but it can also include that personal information is only discussed in private, adjusting misplaced clothing or ensuring doors and curtains are closed when assisting with personal care.
• Rights – You should promote and uphold the rights of the individuals that you work with so that they are not disenfranchised.
• Partnership – As well as working in partnership with the individuals that you care for, you may also need to collaborate with others, such as their family or other professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes for them.
• Privacy – Respect should be given for an individual’s privacy. This includes respect for their personal space (for example, if they request to be left alone) as well as their confidential information).
• Individuality – The unique identity of all individuals should be respected. For example, an individual may like to wear brightly-coloured clothes that are not your tastes but you should dissuade them from expressing themselves the way they want to.