The Tri-County Office on Aging is embracing the philosophy of Person-Centered Thinking. In the past, Medicaid or other regulatory standards have governed the process of developing care plans for persons requiring long-term care. The Person-Centered Thinking philosophy recognizes that all participants are unique individuals with needs, wants, goals and dreams. Most people want the same things from life - an interesting and meaningful daily life; close relationships with others; opportunities to socialize and enjoy recreation, opportunities to develop talents and abilities; to be a part of and contribute to the community and feel valued and important. The Person-Centered Approach was designed to encourage people working with individuals in Long-Term care situations to view the individual's needs through their eyes and to honor their preferences, choices and abilities.

Benefits of a Person-Centered Approach Include:

• Individualized Planning Sessions
• Increased respect of cultural preferences
• Gathering together a group of committed allies who support you
• A focus on what an individual can do, not what they can't do
• Additional choices for our MI Choice/Project Choices participants - Traditional service delivery or Self Determination

The Person-Centered Approach continues and builds on the strengths of our system:

• Health and safety are still top priorities
• Family involvement is essential when available

Although person-centered services are a new way of thinking it will be achieved within existing resources. It will not require new appropriations nor will it require a reduction in services now being provided. Person Center Services will not resolve all the difficulties an individual may face but it provides new tools and processes for achieving the results an individual and their family want.