The Implementation of a Model of Person-Centred Practice In Older ...

The implementation of a model of person-centred practice in older person settings
to read. Large date calendar on wall easy to read. Blue blinds on windows contrast
with wall colour and make room appear cold. Random positioning of tables and
chairs (observation note)
“Everybody is very well trained here and that’s very important. People have been
very encouraging. I like the free and easy attitude of staff; they do not try to control
the patients … The dayroom is depressing, no proper storage, mismatched furniture,
looks like an old peoples home. I would like to see a better dayroom and nice
garden” (Resident story)
However, the issue of balancing a person-centred approach and meeting safety
requirements is one that continues to complicate the extent to which a full personcentred
approach can be maximised and there is indeed an issue of managing risk,
meeting regulatory requirements/demands and meeting individual needs in a personcentred
way, as illustrated by this reflection from one of the internal facilitators:
“During the observations there were a few issues with signage over resident’s beds
that privileged staff and not residents and were there as a risk management measure
and were not very person-centred. While the signage was observed during the
observations, it was in the feedback to the ward that it became apparent that this
was for risk management. Another problem was that strip lighting was on and
seemed very bright and harsh during an evening observation but it was only again
during the feedback that staff stated that they wanted to have bedside lamps but in
order to comply with HIQA hygiene standards and risk management of the hospital,
they were unable to have them. The challenge of the relationship between risk and
person-centredness became obvious when the action plans were being
implemented, as participants had to address the risk in order to get approval for the
action” (Internal Facilitator Reflection)
Alleviating loneliness due to boredom and isolation is a key theme in the data. The
data reflects an increased focus on alleviating loneliness and reducing isolation
Took residents in St Josephs on a Christmas Shopping Trip to Dundalk, this was
something that came out of the narrative work and conversations with residents that
they would like to go Christmas shopping and it was a great success (North East
Area Action Plan)
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