- How do we involve people who do not use words to communicate?
- What if the person goals are unrealistic?
- What if someone doesn't want a plan?
- How often is it reviewed?
- Why do we use PCP?
- Who should be involved?
- What if there are not enough resources?
1. How do we involve people who do not use words to communicate?
When an individual does not communicate verbally, it is important to use appropriate aids to support the communication process. Each individual using MacIntyre Services has a communication profile, this clearly outlines an individuals' preferred method of communication.
People who know an individual well will obviously know their preferred method of communication. It is important that individuals are creative and imaginative and use communication tools that the individual is most responsive to, this may be visual options, such as photo's, videos, objects or symbols.
It is also important, that people who care about the individual are involved, such as friends, family or staff, who know the individual well. This is to ensure that there are a number of people involved and a true reflection of the individual's needs. This also avoids one persons opinions and desires over shadowing what the individual actually wants/needs.
It is often a case of trial and error- the important point here is, if we do get something wrong then we need to record this to ensure it doesn't happen again. Path and Map tools are often useful for individuals who do not use words to communicate as they are visual tools.
2. What if the person's goals are unrealistic?
If initially a goal seems to be unrealistic, like many of our dreams are! It is important for the group and facilitator to explore the goal and what exactly the individual would like to achieve or experience. Which part of the dream actually excites the individual.
It is the responsibility of the Facilitator to creatively and imaginatively consider ways of achieving and working towards achieving the dream in achievable steps.
Many individuals face a number of barriers when striving to achieve their goals, overcoming them and achieving things that they initially thought they couldn't is extremely rewarding- for both the individual and their support group.
3. What if someone doesn't want a plan?
Firstly need to find out why an individual doesn't want to be involved in PCP, this may be due to past experiences of the more formal traditional review process. If this is the case, then, we need to ensure that the individual understands the Person Centred Planning process, perhaps show visual examples of other peoples plans and achievements.
If an individual still does not want to create a plan, then that is their choice, but they need to know that some kind of information is still required to ensure people know how the individual likes to be supported.
A key message here is, individuals can still communicate how they would like to be supported even if they don't want a plan- there are other options available.
4. How often is it reviewed?
There is not a formal review period set for Person Centred Planning, although it is good practice to encourage regular meetings, Person Centred Planning is designed to be a continuous process and it really depends on the individual.
Usually the next meeting is arranged and agreed by members in advance for an appropriate time to get together.
It is important to remember that individuals often like to have a number of meetings rather that the whole group together, which can often be overwhelming. Individuals can arrange a number of one to one meetings or small groups if that is what they prefer.
Note: Although we use the word meeting it is important to note that this is not meant in the formal sense. The time and location of the meeting is the choice of the individual and where they feel comfortable.
5. Why do we use PCP?
The Person Centred Planning process is a key feature of the Government White Paper and therefore essential for MacIntyre to approach in a proactive manner.
MacIntyre adopted this approach in February 2000 as the Person Centred Planning process clearly reflects MacIntyre's Values, Principle of Service and Promises to People who use our Services. back to top
6. Who should be involved?
It is at the discretion of the individual who to involve. It is usually the people who love and care about the individual who are full members, other individuals are often called upon to assist different areas of the plan or perhaps provide expertise. There is no limit to how many people can be involved.
If people do not have family they can choose friends to be main members or staff, who know them well and with whom they have strong relationships.
7. What if there are not enough resources?
If there are not enough resources to achieve a dream/goal, it is the responsibility of the Facilitator to have a broader view of where resources for additional funding are available.
It is also important that the members are creative in their thinking to achieve things that are not too costly, as people are often managing low budgets.
MacIntyre have a number of funds available that individuals can apply for to help pay for "those extra moments of happiness". For further information see Funds for Service Users.
