Identify possible barriers to active participation

To promote active participation effectively, it is important to be able to recognise any barriers that could stifle the approach, so that you are able to work towards overcoming them.

Some examples of barriers to active participation include:

• Lack of interest by the individual – individuals that have received passive care over the long-term may be used to others making decisions on their behalf and doing things for them
• Individual’s family – an individual’s family may believe that their loved one should not be doing things for themselves
• Ineffective staff training – if care staff do not understand the importance of person-centred values or active participation, they will be unable to implement these approaches
• Lack of resources – care settings that are understaffed or care workers not having sufficient time
• Individual’s health – conditions such as learning disabilities, dementia and mental health may make it difficult for individuals to understand the importance of active participation
• Physical – this could include an individual being unable to access a room because the doorway is not wide enough for their wheelchair
• Information – individuals may not be provided with the information they need to participate or not understand that they have a right to be involved