Even before the American Geriatrics Society convened an expert panel to develop a working definition of person-centered care, Archstone Foundation was supporting person-centered approaches to elder justice.
Person-centered care, according to the expert panel’s definition, means that “individuals’ values and preferences are elicited and guide all aspects of their health care to support their realistic health and life goals.”
Person-centered care, like person-centered elder justice, is achieved through a dynamic relationship between individuals, others who are important to them, and all relevant providers. This collaboration informs decision-making to the extent that the individual desires.
For example, the Foundation supported an innovative service advocate position to the Los Angeles County Elder Abuse Forensic Center. The service advocate is a dedicated social worker who works closely with older adults to develop individual care plans guided by the individual’s expressed objectives and readiness to transition. The service advocate draws upon the older adult’s internal strengths-based reserves and available family and community resources to gradually shepherd the client to a place of safety and stability.
Upholding Autonomy and Independence
An essential element of person-centered care includes creating individualized care plans based on the person’s preferences. Archstone Foundation supported other projects that sought to uphold the autonomy and independence of older adults.
For example, from 2012-16, the Foundation supported the Safe Options for Seniors Program at Human Options in Orange County, California. The aim of the project was to help older adults be safe and empowered in their own homes, allowing them to remain independent and violence-free.
Specifically, the program served as a resource to existing older adult community service programs and provided direct clinical services, education, information and referral services to victims of late-life family violence through individual, group, and family counseling. Based on individual need and tailored care plans, clients were also provided connections to community resources and legal advocacy. Clients enrolled in the program experienced a 72 percent decrease in depressive symptoms and a 55 percent reduction in anxiety.
Another essential element of person-centered care includes ongoing review of the person’s goals and care. The Foundation has funded technology-based modules to assist caregivers and prevent mistreatment. Although most family caregivers strive to provide quality care, rates of elder mistreatment committed by caregivers are high. A recent study found that 26 percent of care recipients reported experiencing potentially harmful behaviors from caregivers. Another study found that of those caring for a person with dementia, reported rates of mistreatment were at 47 percent.
Keeping Person-Centered Models Front and Center
Person-centered care is becoming a core component of improving aging services. Person-centered approaches to elder justice are especially crucial as California’s Master Plan for Aging accelerates to fruition in October 2020. As professionals from all facets of aging in California collaborate and deliberate on elder justice programs, person-centered models must be at the forefront of their minds.
For more on Archstone Foundation’s efforts to end elder mistreatment, read:
Elder Abuse and Neglect Initiative Legacy Report
Supporting Systems Change: Lessons from Our Work to Address Elder Abuse
Top Ten Takeaways from the Elder Abuse Initiative Legacy Report
