Person-Centered Approach
A “person-centered approach” refers to delivering services and supports that are responsive to the individual beneficiary’s needs and preferences. LTSS supports should be person-centered whether delivered in a traditional FFS system or an MLTSS program. Person-centeredness is critical to developing a strong plan and should be evident in key processes such as assessments, service planning, discharge planning, and service delivery.
The Institute of Medicine has identified the following elements of person-centered LTSS:
- Individualized service planning and delivery
- Participation of the person and, as appropriate, family members and others chosen by the person in service planning and delivery
- Consideration of the person’s values, culture, traditions, experiences and preferences in the definition of quality
- Recognition and support of a person’s self-care capabilities
- Integration of formal and informal supports
Central to a person-centered approach are several key principles that ensure individual autonomy in services and support plans, according to John O’Brien and Connie Lyle. These include:
- Community presence. Provide individuals the opportunity to experience the places that define community life.
- Choice. Help the individual to experience autonomy in both everyday and in larger, life-defining decisions.
- Competence. Give the individual whatever support is necessary to perform functional and significant activities.
- Respect. Include opportunities for individuals to hold a valued place or role in the community.
- Community participation. Provide opportunities for individuals to be part of a network of close personal relationships.
O’Brien and Lyle additionally emphasize that a person-centered approach for providing services and supports is an ongoing activity in which the individual is not only present at planning meetings but is also actively directing the process.
