Work in a Person-Centred Way

What does person-centred care mean?

• APutting the service user at the centre of decisions about their care, respecting their preferences and values✓
• BThe carer's needs come first
• CFollowing procedures exactly without listening to individuals
• DOnly considering medical needs

Answer: Person-centred care places the individual's preferences, values, and needs at the heart of all care decisions and delivery.

A service user wants to do something in their own way, even though it's not the quickest or easiest. How should you respond?

• AForce them to do it your way
• BRespect their approach unless there's a genuine safety concern, and support them to do it their way✓
• CRefuse to help
• DLaugh at them

Answer: Person-centred care respects individuals' choices and preferences. Unless there's a safety issue, you should support them to maintain control and autonomy.

What is informed consent?

• AAssuming someone agrees to care
• BExplaining what you're going to do, checking understanding, and getting agreement before proceeding✓
• CForcing someone to have care
• DMaking decisions for people

Answer: Informed consent means the individual understands what's being proposed and has genuinely agreed. It's essential for respecting dignity and autonomy.

A service user lacks capacity to make a specific decision. What should you do?

• AMake the decision for them
• BInvolve a family member only
• CFollow the Mental Capacity Act—provide support to enable decision-making, involve relevant people, and make decisions in their best interest if necessary✓
• DIgnore the decision

Answer: The Mental Capacity Act provides a framework for supporting people with impaired decision-making capacity. Key principles include: presumption of capacity, supporting people to make their own decisions, respecting their right to make unwise decisions, acting in their best interests, and using the least restrictive option. Decisions should be made with their best interests in mind.

How can you learn about a service user's preferences and values?

• AAssume what they want based on their diagnosis
• BAsk them directly, listen actively, review their care plans, and observe what matters to them✓
• COnly listen to family members
• DDon't ask—just do what you think is best

Answer: Understanding individual preferences requires asking, listening, and learning about each person as a unique individual.

A service user expresses a preference that conflicts with your care setting's routine. What should you do?

• AIgnore their preference
• BCheck if it's safe, discuss with your supervisor, and accommodate it where possible✓
• CTell them it's not allowed
• DAccommodate it without checking safety

Answer: Respecting preferences is important, but this must be balanced against safety. You should explore ways to accommodate preferences while maintaining safety.

What is dignity in care?

• ABeing very formal
• BTreating people with respect, maintaining their privacy, and recognising their worth as unique individuals✓
• COnly for wealthy people
• DIrrelevant to care work

Answer: Dignity means treating each person with respect, protecting their privacy, and acknowledging their individuality and self-worth.

How should you support a service user's independence in person-centred care?

• ADo everything for them
• BEncourage them to do things they're capable of, support them where needed, and celebrate their achievements✓
• CDon't help at all
• DMake them do things they can't manage

Answer: Supporting independence respects autonomy and promotes dignity. The goal is to help people do what they can for themselves.

A service user makes a choice you disagree with but it doesn't compromise their safety. What should you do?

• AOverride their choice
• BRespect their choice, provide support, and document your concerns if needed✓
• CCriticise their choice
• DTell others not to support their choice

Answer: Person-centred care means respecting autonomous decisions even when you disagree, provided there's no safety risk.

What is the importance of individualised care plans?

• AThey're unnecessary
• BThey document individual needs, preferences, and goals, ensuring consistent, personalised care delivery✓
• CThey're only for documenting problems
• DEveryone gets the same care plan

Answer: Individualised care plans are central to person-centred care. They guide delivery of care tailored to each person's unique needs and preferences.

How does listening contribute to person-centred care?

• AIt doesn't matter
• BListening helps you understand needs, preferences, and concerns, enabling truly person-centred responses✓
• COnly important with some service users
• DYou shouldn't really listen—just do your job

Answer: Active listening is fundamental to person-centred care. It demonstrates respect and helps you understand what matters to each individual.

A service user is unaware of risks related to their preferred way of doing something. What should you do?

• AForce them to do it differently
• BExplain the risks, discuss options, and support their choice if they understand and accept the risks✓
• CDon't tell them about risks
• DHide the risks and take over completely

Answer: Person-centred care with safety means sharing information about risks while respecting the individual's right to make informed choices.