The importance of person-centred care in aged care: Enhancing quality of life
Aged care is more than just meeting the medical and physical needs of elderly individuals—it’s about treating them with dignity, respect, and compassion. Person-centred care is an approach that focuses on the individual, considering their unique needs, preferences, and values in the care they receive. As Australia’s aged care sector evolves, adopting a person-centred approach is becoming increasingly important in ensuring the well-being and happiness of older adults.
In this blog, we’ll explore what person-centred care is, why it matters, and how aged care providers can implement it effectively to improve the quality of life for elderly individuals.
What is person-centred care?
Person-centred care is an approach that recognises the individuality of each resident or patient. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method, this model ensures that care is tailored to meet the specific needs, preferences, and life experiences of each individual. Key principles of person-centred care include:
- Respecting individuality – Recognising that every person has a unique background, values, and preferences.
- Encouraging independence – Supporting elderly individuals in making choices about their daily lives and care plans.
- Building relationships – Creating meaningful connections between caregivers, residents, and families.
- Providing holistic support – Addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being, not just medical needs.
Why person-centred care matters in aged care
A person-centred approach brings numerous benefits to both aged care recipients and care providers, including:
1. Enhanced quality of life
By focusing on the individual's preferences, interests, and needs, person-centred care helps elderly individuals maintain their dignity and enjoy a better quality of life. Simple actions, such as allowing them to choose their daily routines, meals, and activities, can significantly enhance their happiness.
2. Improved mental and emotional well-being
Elderly individuals who feel heard and valued are less likely to experience depression, anxiety, or social isolation. Person-centred care fosters emotional well-being by encouraging social engagement, meaningful relationships, and participation in activities that bring joy and fulfilment.
3. Better health outcomes
When aged care providers focus on the whole person rather than just their medical conditions, they can develop more effective care plans that lead to improved physical and mental health outcomes. Residents receiving person-centred care often experience fewer hospitalisations and better management of chronic conditions.
4. Stronger relationships between caregivers and residents
Person-centred care encourages trust and rapport between caregivers and those they support. When caregivers take the time to understand an individual's history, values, and preferences, it creates a more positive care environment and leads to stronger bonds.
5. Greater job satisfaction for caregivers
When aged care staff are empowered to deliver care that aligns with an individual’s preferences, they find more meaning and fulfilment in their roles. This can lead to lower staff turnover, improved morale, and better overall care quality.
How to implement person-centred care in aged care facilities
Aged care providers can take several steps to integrate person-centred care into their services:
1. Understanding the individual
Caregivers should take the time to learn about each resident’s history, hobbies, preferences, and values. This can be achieved through:
- Conducting one-on-one interviews upon admission
- Encouraging families to share personal stories and insights
- Documenting preferences in care plans and regularly updating them
2. Empowering choice and independence
Encouraging elderly individuals to make their own choices is a key aspect of person-centred care. Aged care providers can:
- Allow residents to choose their daily activities and routines
- Offer different meal options that align with dietary preferences
- Involve residents in decisions about their care and treatment plans
3. Creating a comfortable and engaging environment
Aged care facilities should feel like home, not just a medical institution. This can be achieved by:
- Designing living spaces that reflect residents’ personal tastes
- Providing opportunities for social engagement through group activities and outings
- Ensuring access to outdoor spaces and nature for relaxation and enjoyment
4. Training and supporting caregivers
Staff play a crucial role in delivering person-centred care, so it’s essential to invest in their training and well-being. Providers can:
- Offer workshops on empathy, active listening, and personalised care
- Encourage staff to take the time to engage with residents beyond just meeting their physical needs
- Provide mental health support for caregivers to prevent burnout and improve job satisfaction
5. Encouraging family and community involvement
Person-centred care extends beyond the individual and involves their family and community. Aged care providers can:
- Facilitate regular family meetings to keep loved ones involved in care decisions
- Organise community events where residents can interact with local volunteers and younger generations
- Encourage intergenerational programs where school children visit and engage with elderly residents
6. Using technology to enhance personalisation
Advancements in technology can support person-centred care in various ways:
- Electronic care plans that track residents’ preferences and health needs
- Smart devices to assist with mobility, safety, and communication
- Virtual reality and digital engagement tools to provide entertainment, memory stimulation, and social interaction
Challenges in implementing person-centred care
While person-centred care offers numerous benefits, aged care providers may face challenges in its implementation, such as:
- Staffing constraints – Ensuring all staff members have time to personalise care can be difficult in understaffed facilities.
- Resistance to change – Some traditional aged care models prioritise efficiency over personalisation, making the transition challenging.
- Resource limitations – Investing in additional training, personalised activities, and technology requires financial support.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of person-centred care far outweigh the difficulties. By prioritising the well-being of elderly individuals and treating them with dignity and respect, aged care providers can create a positive and nurturing environment that enhances lives.
Conclusion
Person-centred care is not just a trend—it’s the future of aged care. By focusing on the individual and tailoring care to their unique needs, preferences, and values, aged care providers can create a supportive and enriching environment that fosters dignity, independence, and happiness.
At Arise Care Staffing, we understand the importance of compassionate, personalised care. We are committed to connecting aged care facilities with highly skilled, empathetic professionals who share our dedication to person-centred care. Together, we can create a better future for aged care—one that truly values and respects every individual.









