How to Apply Person Centered Values in Daily Health & Social Care
In health and social care, person centred values mean putting the individual at the heart of every decision. They improve wellbeing, build trust, and lead to safer, more satisfying care for both people and families.
What are person centered values?
See the person, not just the task.
Offer real options every day.
do with them, not for them
Protect information and personal space.
Care shaped by history, culture and preferences.
involve families, advocates and professionals.
Step-by-step: applying person centred values
1. Start of shift
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Read the care plan and handover notes
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Plan around the person’s routine
2. First contact
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Greet by preferred name
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Ask: “What would make today a good day for you?”
3. Personal care & meals
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Offer choices (bath or shower, meal options)
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Encourage independence where possible
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Respect privacy and dignity
4. Communication & activity
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Listen first and use the person’s preferred style (pictures, large print, Makaton etc.)
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Link activities to hobbies, life history and goals
5. Recording & handover
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Use person-centred notes (e.g. “I chose soup today”)
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Share what mattered most at handover
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them with a daily checklist
It’s easy to slip into a task-focused mindset, but person centred values keep care meaningful. Here are common pitfalls and how to avoid them with a quick checklist:
Pitfalls to avoid:
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Rushing tasks – build in time, explain delays
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One-size-fits-all routines – adapt to the person’s lifestyle
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Task-only records – focus on outcomes and feelings
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Communication barriers – use interpreters, aids or simple language
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Decisions made for the person – support informed choice wherever possible
Daily checklist:
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Did I offer genuine choices?
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Did I protect dignity, privacy and independence?
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Did I listen and adapt communication?
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Did I record outcomes, not just tasks?
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Did I share what mattered most at handover?
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