Person-centered care is respectful of an individual's values and fundamental beliefs. These are the principles that guide a person's life through attitudes and actions. These help a person determine right from wrong and are influenced by many sources including one's culture, religion, group affiliations, and the family.
Every person is unique and though it may be difficult to uncover the inner thoughts and feelings, these are vital to know, or at least to be aware of, for assisting in making important decisions. And I really should not say "assisting" but rather supporting a loved one's decisions. We each have our own ways of completing tasks, following routines, and celebrating traditions. Each aspect of these is part of our identity and deserves respect, even if understanding some of these is elusive. All of our quirks and individualism help explain why we act or react in certain ways and why we respond to certain people and situations as we do.
As caregivers support a loved one, they sometimes have to learn more about individual preferences and in some cases, they must "unlearn" preconceived notions about what we have decided that another person knows or thinks or understands. By doing this respect for personhood and person-centered care develops.
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