Person-Centered Planning (PCP) is a collaboration that allows the individual with intellectual or developmental disabilities to make their own decisions concerning the care and support services received and individual goals. Traditional medical assessments rely on system availability and accessibility, whereas PCP services focus on the person’s strengths and weaknesses, ambitions and personal preferences.
For individuals with IDD, Person-Centered Planning offers more freedom and control in deciding the services needed which encourages empowerment and independence. Individuals are the experts of their own life and PCP makes sure the care and support is right for you. PCP transforms lifestyles by focusing on unique needs and personal goals to keep you safe and happy.
How does Person-Centered Planning Work?
PCP encourages the individual to lead the process by expressing your views and needs to ensure the others involved will listen to you and fully understand what you need in regards to care and support. Person-Centered Planning allows you to tell people exactly what you need and helps them learn more about you to help find the best IDD services to suit you. The important decisions are always made with you rather than for you which gives you a voice and more control over your life.
The key benefits of PCP include:
- You lead the conversation – you are at the forefront of the decision making process with the help and support of others. You can take it at your own pace, taking as much time as you need to process the information and determine your individual goals.
- Your chosen support – choose a support network of people who know you and your needs such as family, friends and healthcare professionals who listen to you.
- Flexible adaptations – plans, goals and circumstances can change when the individual gets older and PCP offers flexibility and regular reviews to ensure the plans are always in alignment with the person.
- Strengths focused – PCP focuses on the individual’s strengths and builds a plan around this rather than their limits. This encourages independence and confidence.
- Clear steps – the PCP plan creates a clear step by step outline for all parts of the care such as what support and resources are required, the daily routine and who does what to ensure everyone understands their role.
- Future vision – not only does the plan cover medical and safety requirements, the plan allows for long term life goals such as independent living, employment opportunities, community integration and socialization.
Person-Centered Planning I/DD ensures individuals have a strong outline of their needs and required support of their own choosing. You can use your way of communication to ensure you are heard, whether you use non-verbal cues or other options. PCP increases self advocacy and autonomy by encouraging inclusion and creating a network of support throughout life’s challenges.
You can find an extensive range of I/DD services California based on Path-Now.com. Our service matches your needs to the best local support and resources. You can browse through many options to find the most suitable service providers for you.
