© Person-Centred Culture Committee 2021 | Made with ♥ by Strategy Lab
Why is this important?
It is essential to get to know someone to understand how they want to live their life. We need to have an understanding of what is important to the person to determine if we can provide them with the support that they want and need. This is not just about understanding the history of a person; it’s about getting to know who the person is right now.
If someone cannot use words to tell us what is important to them it is essential that we spend time with them and the people that know them best. We need to spend time with a person so that they can communicate, in whatever way the can, what they want to be present in their life. We want to observe the things they like to do, the people they choose to be with and the things that are important to them.
Not only is it important for us to get to know an individual, it is equally, if not more so, important for an individual to get to know us as the people that are supporting them. It is important that they know that they will be healthy and safe with us and that we are taking the time to understand them so that we can help them live the life they want to lead. The people we support need to know that we recognize the things that they want in life, that we will be honest with them, and that we will always listen to them.
Tools to Facilitate Getting to Know Someone
1
One-Page Profiles (HSA Canada)
A One Page Profile captures all the important information about a person on a single sheet of paper under three simple headings: what people appreciate about me, what’s important to me and how best to support me.
Make your own One-Page Profile!
Select a template below to get started.
2
Relationship Map (HSA Canada)
A Relationship Map captures who a person knows, how they know them, who else in their circle knows them and how these networks and relationships can help a person to live the life they choose.
It is a way of identifying who is important to a person, and to explore any important issues around those relationships. It feeds into support planning because it highlights those people who should be involved in planning, and helps to discover which relationships can be strengthened or supported.
3
Important To/For (HSA Canada)
Considered a fundamental person-centred thinking skill, this tool assists in separating what is important to someone from what is important for them, and to find a balance between the two.
4
Communication Chart (HSA Canada)
It helps us to focus on what someone is trying to communicate, whether they use words or not. It is easy to assume that someone doesn’t have much to say if they rarely speak, but it isn’t the case. This person-centred thinking tool helps us to find other ways of communicating well together.
It ensures that people are understood. This is so important, especially for people who rely on others for support. Having the power to communicate and be understood is central to people having choice and control in their life.
5
Good Day / Bad Day (HSA Canada)
It helps to understand what matters to the person and what needs to happen for them to have more good days and fewer bad days.
6
Life Trajectory Worksheet (Life Course Tools)
This tool can be used to help individuals and families think about what a good life means to them, and also identify what they know they don’t want. The space around the arrows can be used to think about current or needed life experiences that help point the trajectory arrow in the direction of the good life vision.
