Person-centered planning is a transformative approach that recognizes the unique goals and values of each individual, regardless of their communication abilities or disabilities. It's a strategy that empowers people to lead fulfilling lives by centering their personal aspirations at the heart of the planning process. However, a common pitfall for service coordinators new to this method is the assumption that everyone shares similar objectives and values. This article delves into the nuances of person-centered planning, offering insights and strategies to effectively support individuals in achieving their desired quality of life.
Life values are deeply personal and shaped by an individual's experiences, which can vary significantly. For instance, the life experiences of a middle-class American can be starkly different from those of a disabled adult who may have spent a considerable amount of time in institutional care. Recognizing these differences is crucial in person-centered planning, especially when supporting individuals who may face challenges in communicating their desires and preferences.
To begin the planning process, it's essential to identify any recurring issues that have been points of contention for the individual. These struggle points often revolve around control—access to desired items, autonomy over daily routines, or dietary preferences. Direct support staff can be invaluable in providing insights if the person cannot express these themselves.
Once the issues are pinpointed, collaborative brainstorming with the individual and their support team can lead to creative solutions. This may involve:
After resolving immediate problems, the focus shifts to enhancing the individual's quality of life. This encompasses evaluating satisfaction with living arrangements, employment, income, hobbies, relationships, and long-term aspirations. Challenges identified during this phase can be categorized into short-term, easily addressed issues, and long-term goals requiring multiple steps.
For short-term goals, such as purchasing a favorite music CD, the role of the support team might be as simple as providing transportation. However, for long-term goals like planning a backpacking trip, the support team's role becomes more complex, involving assistance with saving money, acquiring necessary skills, and preparing physically for the journey.
The support team's responsibility is not to fulfill every wish unconditionally but to guide the individual in realizing their dreams through achievable steps. It's about saying, "That's a great dream—here's how we get there from here!"
While person-centered planning is widely advocated, its implementation can vary greatly. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, only 13% of individuals with intellectual disabilities had a person-centered plan that was fully implemented. This highlights the need for better training and resources to ensure that person-centered planning is not just a concept but a reality for those it aims to serve (source).
Furthermore, the National Core Indicators (NCI) report that only 34% of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities report having a lot of choice over their daily lives (source). This statistic underscores the importance of person-centered planning in empowering individuals to make decisions about their lives.
In conclusion, person-centered planning is a vital approach that respects the individuality of each person's goals and values. By understanding and addressing struggle points, creatively solving problems, and supporting individuals in achieving their aspirations, we can help create a more inclusive and fulfilling society for all.
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