At the heart of truly excellent elder care lies a philosophy that honors each individual’s unique story, preferences and needs. This philosophy is known as person-centered care, and at Cedar Lawn in Romsey it shapes every aspect of how care is delivered. Far from being a generic, one-size-fits-all regime, person-cent red care planning recognises that every resident brings a lifetime of experiences, values and wishes that deserve respect and understanding. It is this deeply personal, respectful approach that not only enhances wellbeing but also transforms care into a collaborative, empowering experience for residents and their loved ones.
Understanding Person-Centered Care
Person-centered care planning begins the moment a resident arrives at Cedar Lawn. Rather than dictating a standard set of routines, the care team works closely with the resident and their family to build a care plan that reflects what matters most to that person. This plan goes beyond medical needs to include preferences around social activities, daily routines, meals, social connections and cherished habits. By involving residents in these decisions, Cedar Lawn honors their autonomy and dignity—foundational pillars of quality care.
This deeply personalised approach has been widely recognised across the care sector as essential to promoting quality of life. Research into person-centered planning in care homes highlights that when care is tailored in this way, it aligns more closely with residents’ values and goals, resulting in a more meaningful and fulfilling care experience. Rather than merely responding to clinical needs, person-centered care planning seeks to understand what each resident hopes to achieve in their daily life.
Respecting Individuality and Preferences
At Cedar Lawn, the benefits of person-centered care planning become clear in everyday life. From the first assessment onward, staff strive to get to know each resident not just as someone with care needs, but as a person with a distinct identity—stories, preferences, habits and life experiences that matter. These details are woven into the care plan, informing decisions about everything from the timing of daily routines to the resident’s preferred approach to social activities or personal care.
This acknowledgement of individuality empowers residents to play an active role in shaping their life in the home. It’s a practice that sustains self-esteem and nurtures mental and emotional wellbeing, because residents feel respected and understood rather than simply managed. By honoring personal preferences, Cedar Lawn reinforces a sense of continuity with life before care home living—a continuity that has profound effects on comfort, confidence and happiness.
Adapting Care Over Time
Person-centered care planning at Cedar Lawn is not static. As residents’ needs evolve, the care plan evolves with them. Regular reviews and open communication ensure that changes in health, interests or circumstances are quickly reflected in the support provided. This flexibility is vital—what a resident needed last month may differ from what they need today or hope for tomorrow. Through ongoing dialogue and attentive observation, the care team adapts plans to stay in harmony with each person’s changing needs.
This dynamic approach also helps to promote better health outcomes, because adjustments are made in partnership with the resident and their family rather than imposed externally. Involving loved ones in conversations fosters trust and support, bringing reassurance to both residents and family members that care remains tailored, responsive and meaningful.
Enriching Well-Being Through Meaningful Support
Person-centered care planning also enriches wellbeing by connecting residents more deeply to activities and experiences that resonate with them personally. Whether it’s creative workshops, gentle exercise sessions or simply enjoying the tranquil gardens, residents are encouraged to engage in ways that match their interests and capabilities. Knowing that care respects their choices and preferences enables individuals to live with greater purpose and satisfaction, preserving dignity in the process.
Beyond the practical aspects of care, this approach fosters trust and strengthens relationships between staff, residents and families. When people feel listened to and valued, emotional wellbeing flourishes. The environment at Cedar Lawn thus becomes more than a place where care is administered—it becomes a community where each person’s voice is heard, and individual life stories continue to unfold with meaning and respect.
A Care Philosophy That Truly Cares
In essence, person-centered care planning is at the core of Cedar Lawn’s mission to provide compassionate, respectful and dignified care. It underpins everything the home does to support residents in living rich, fulfilling lives that reflect their personal choices and values. By centering care around the person—not just their needs or diagnoses—Cedar Lawn ensures that every resident is recognised for who they are, not what condition they may have. This approach enriches daily life, nurtures wellbeing and celebrates the individuality of each person who calls Cedar Lawn home
