When researching your area for a good residential care home, what is top priority for you? We believe families are looking for person-centred care… It refers to an approach that focuses on the unique needs, preferences and goals of each individual resident, and recognises that these may change over time.
The NHS defines person-centred care as ‘about focusing care on the needs of the individual. Ensuring that people’s preferences, needs and values guide clinical decisions, and providing care that is respectful of and responsive to them.’ NHS – Person-centred care
How Offmore Farm delivers person-centred care
There are six principles of person-centred care, set out by the NHS. This is how Offmore Farm Staff and volunteers uphold those principles:
- Care and support is person-centred: personalised, coordinated, and empowering
We evaluate the needs of each new service user by assessment. This begins when we first meet the resident and their family where we get an overview of their current needs and what triggered the decision to consider residential care. The assessment becomes formal when the resident has moved in and encompasses a comprehensive process involving physical, mental, emotional, social and religious or cultural aspects of their lives. These areas are regularly reviewed and monitored to determine any change in need.
For example: We organise visits to the local churches, or for services to held at Offmore Farm so we can meet the spiritual needs of those residents who choose it.
- Services are created in partnership with citizens and communities
The resident themselves, and their family are actively involved in the assessment process, allowing opportunity for them to share preferences and ensuring their input is valued.
For example: A person who prefers to bathe at night rather than in the morning has this noted in their care plan.
- Focus is on equality and narrowing inequalities
Our staff are trained in diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure barriers relating to disability, language, ethnicity, gender or socio-economic status are addressed.
For example: A resident with limited English is provided with translated materials and a care worker who speaks their language.
- Carers are identified, supported and involved
The role of family members or members of the community who have taken responsibility of care is recognised and valued. We involved those who have been the majority decision makers in the creation of the new care plan, and their continued emotional and practical support is encouraged.
For example: Sons and daughters who have helped their parents remain in their home for as long as possible are invited to contribute insights and opinion during the assessment process.
- Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VSCE) and housing sectors are involved as key partners and enablers
The home works with VCSE organisations to offer services that enhance residents’ wellbeing, such as befriending schemes, mobility aid donations, or specialist support such as dementia charities.
For example: Local charities fund regular visits from professionals who run cognitive stimulation sessions, which are incorporated into residents’ support plans.
- Volunteering and social action are recognised as key enablers.
Volunteers are welcomed into the home to provide companionship, activities and intergenerational connections. If they wish, our residents are encouraged to join community projects and enjoy the local community where they can.
For example: We often have visits from Smethwick residents who bring their calm dogs to be petted and cuddled, and some residents enjoy trips to the garden centre.
Offmore Farm – Where person-centred care is at our heart
At Offmore Farm Residential Care Home, these six principles aren’t just guidelines, they’re at the heart of everything we do. From personalised care plans to fostering continued community connections, we’re committed to creating a place where residents feel valued, empowered, and truly at home.
If you’re looking for a care home that treats your loved one like family and places their voice at the centre of their care, we’d love to welcome you for a visit. Come see the difference person-centred care can make. Book a viewing with our Care Home Manager, Sophie Campbell today.
