Chapter 4
Implementing Person-Centered Care in Mental Health Environments
Overview
In long-term care (LTC) settings across Kansas, particularly in facilities supporting residents with mental health conditions, implementing a person-centered care (PCC) model presents unique challenges. For Social Service Designees (SSDs) and Activities Directors (ADs), it is crucial to understand these barriers in order to support and advocate for effective, individualized care.
Defining Person-Centered Care in Mental Health
Person-centered care is a model that emphasizes dignity, autonomy, and respect for the unique preferences, needs, and values of each individual. In mental health contexts, this model supports recovery-oriented practices, collaborative care planning, and psychosocial well-being. For residents with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder, person-centered care involves more than basic symptom management—it prioritizes quality of life and self-determination.
Key Challenges in LTC Mental Health Settings
- Stigma and Misunderstanding: Mental illness can be misunderstood by staff and other residents, leading to social isolation and less empathy during care planning.
- Behavioral and Communication Barriers: Symptoms of mental illness may include paranoia, withdrawal, or aggressive behavior, which complicate relationship-building and engagement.
- Limited Mental Health Training: Many LTC staff members are trained primarily in physical health care and may lack adequate knowledge of mental health best practices, including trauma-informed care.
- Institutional Policies: Some LTC facilities may have restrictive routines and risk-averse policies that conflict with personalized care strategies, reducing residents' autonomy and voice in decision-making.
- Documentation and Regulation Constraints: Kansas LTC regulations prioritize safety and documentation standards, sometimes at the expense of flexibility needed for individual choice in mental health care.
- Lack of Community Integration: Residents with mental illness are often segregated or experience fewer outings and social opportunities, limiting recovery-oriented approaches.
Role of Social Service Designees and Activities Directors
SSDs and ADs are in a unique position to bridge clinical care and daily life by ensuring that mental health needs are met in a respectful, empowering way. This includes:
- Advocating for residents' rights and choices in care planning meetings
- Developing individualized activity programs that accommodate mental health symptoms
- Educating staff on trauma-informed and stigma-reducing practices
- Working with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate therapeutic services and community resources
- Ensuring that mental health voices are represented in facility policy development
Strategies for Overcoming Barriers
- Ongoing Training: Provide regular training in person-centered mental health practices, including de-escalation, communication, and trauma-informed approaches.
- Resident Involvement: Involve residents in creating care plans, activity schedules, and policy reviews to enhance autonomy and dignity.
- Behavioral Health Partnerships: Collaborate with local mental health agencies, social workers, and peer support networks to supplement LTC services.
- Flexible Activity Planning: Offer adaptable, low-stimulation activities that reduce anxiety while promoting inclusion and wellness.
Conclusion
Person-centered care in mental health environments within LTC facilities is not without its obstacles. However, through education, advocacy, and a commitment to flexibility, SSDs and ADs in Kansas can make meaningful changes that empower residents and enhance their quality of life. Overcoming stigma, fostering autonomy, and collaborating across disciplines are essential steps toward a more inclusive and humane LTC system.
References
- Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. (2023). Behavioral Health and Long-Term Services Guidelines.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2022). Person-Centered Planning and Practice Framework.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2022). Ending the Silence: Addressing Stigma in Elder Care.