The Contribution of Person-centered Planning to Care Management

This document explores the transformative potential of person-centered planning in improving care management for people with disabilities. ​ It argues that person-centered planning is more impactful when used to reshape the care management environment rather than as a routine tool for assessments and care plans. ​ By empowering individuals, families, and service providers to take initiative, person-centered planning fosters greater self-determination, collaboration, and innovation in creating personalized support systems. ​

The document highlights the benefits of person-centered planning, such as reducing care managers’ workload, enhancing service provider flexibility, and enabling individuals to independently define their priorities and needs. ​ However, it also acknowledges the costs and uncertainties, including the risks of unmet cooperation, challenges in collaboration, and the strain on care managers’ schedules. Importantly, it emphasizes that person-centered planning should remain voluntary, as its success depends on the willingness of participants to embrace its principles. ​

Care management and person-centered planning are presented as distinct yet complementary processes. ​ While care management follows a linear, rule-based approach to allocate resources fairly, person-centered planning adopts a circular, exploratory process focused on discovering new opportunities and aligning resources to create meaningful lives. The document advocates for thoughtful investments in person-centered planning, including policy changes, facilitator education, and developmental initiatives to expand community opportunities and innovative support systems. ​

Readers will gain insights into how person-centered planning can drive systemic change, raise expectations, and inspire creative solutions for people with disabilities. ​ This resource is ideal for anyone interested in reimagining care management to prioritize individuality, collaboration, and empowerment. ​ Dive in to explore how person-centered planning can help people compose lives that truly make sense!

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