Person-Centered Care & Your Aging Journey

Person-centered care is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the individual’s needs, preferences, and values, placing them at the center of their own care journey. When it comes to aging, person-centered care becomes even more crucial, as it addresses the unique challenges and requirements faced by older adults. If you’re in Vermont and embarking on your aging journey, insisting on person-centered care is essential for several reasons:

Individualized Care

Person-centered care recognizes that each person’s aging journey is unique. It tailors care plans to meet the specific needs, goals, and aspirations of the individual. By insisting on this approach, you ensure that your care plan is created to your specific requirements, considering factors such as your medical history, lifestyle, personal goals, and preferences. This personalized approach expands the quality of care and increases the likelihood of positive health outcomes enhancing overall well-being.

Dignity and Respect

Aging can bring about changes in physical and cognitive abilities, making it crucial to uphold the dignity and respect of older adults. Person-centered care emphasizes treating individuals with empathy, compassion, and respect, regardless of their age or health condition. It acknowledges their autonomy, values their opinions and choices, and involves them in decision-making processes regarding their care. This approach empowers individuals to actively participate in their care journey, fostering a sense of self-worth and respect.

Enhanced Quality of Life

By focusing on the person’s overall well-being, person-centered care aims to improve their quality of life. It encompasses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of care, acknowledging the holistic nature of aging. By prioritizing your preferences, values, and social connections, person-centered care helps ensure that your aging journey is more fulfilling and meaningful.

Communication and Collaboration

Person-centered care encourages open and honest communication between the aging individual, their families, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and support networks. It values collaboration and shared decision-making, ensuring that all parties are actively involved in care planning and delivery. This approach fosters a trusting relationship between the care team and the aging individual that goes beyond just medical treatment, leading to better health outcomes.

Continuity and Coordination

As you age, you may require care from various healthcare providers, specialists, and support services. Person-centered care recognizes the importance of continuity and aims to provide consistent, coordinated care across different settings, ensuring a smooth transition between healthcare providers, specialists, and caregivers. It encourages communication, collaboration, and the sharing of information to guarantee that all aspects of your care are well-integrated and aligned. This reduces the likelihood of fragmented or duplicated services, enhances efficiency, and minimizes potential gaps in your care.

Empathy and Emotional Support

Aging can bring about various emotional challenges, including loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Person-centered care emphasizes empathy and emotional support, addressing the psychological well-being of the aging individual. By acknowledging and validating their emotions, this approach helps to alleviate distress and improve mental health outcomes.

Improved Outcomes

Research has shown that person-centered care leads to better health outcomes for older adults. By actively involving them in their care decisions and tailoring services to their needs, it can improve overall health, functional abilities, and overall satisfaction with their care experience.

In Vermont, or anywhere for that matter, advocating for person-centered care for your aging journey is crucial because it ensures that your unique needs, values, and preferences are at the forefront of your care experience. It promotes your overall well-being, respects your dignity, and empowers you to actively participate in decision-making. By prioritizing person-centered care, you can expect a higher quality of life, better communication and collaboration with your care team, continuity of care, and the emotional support necessary for a fulfilling aging journey.

Alicia Fleming, Founder & Owner of Golden Guide Senior Living Advisor and Golden Guide Real Estate – KW Vermont. Alicia is a trusted Senior Living Advisor and leading Senior Real Estate Specialist, SRES®. She can be reached at 802.318.0441, a liciafleming@goldenguidevt.com, G oldenGuideVTRealty.com or GoldenGu ideVT.com.