When it comes to Louisiana Medicaid services and supports, it’s about so much more than the program requirements. Services work best when they reflect the individual. Hence, the importance of person-centered planning.
You need a plan of care built specifically for you. And that’s what we’ll help you with in this article. By the end, you’ll have a good understanding of person-centered planning and how to tailor it to your unique needs and desires. Let’s get right into it!
Understanding Person-Centered Planning Principles
Wondering “what is person-centered planning?” The answer is simpler than you might think. But at its core, it’s a collaborative approach to designing services that ensures your voice is at the center of it all. Here are a few hallmarks of a person-centered care plan:
- It highlights both your strengths and weaknesses – not just your limitations.
- It considers your cultural values, long-term goals, and lifestyle preferences.
- It involves family, friends, and professionals whom you trust most.
- It is adjustable based on your needs.
As a Louisiana Medicaid beneficiary utilizing home and community-based services, you’re entitled to a custom plan of care (POC), and person-centered planning is central to it.
How to Create Your Person-Centered Plan
You know what a person-centered plan is – now, let’s get into the “how” of it all. How do you approach person-centered planning? We’ve broken the process down into several steps below.
Step 1: Assess Your Needs and Priorities
Take an honest look at your daily life. Which activities are most important to you? And where could you use support? Think about your needs in the following areas and more:
- Health struggles or conditions
- Mobility issues
- Transportation
- Social deficits
- Personal goals
This information will serve as the basis for your person-centered plan.
Step 2: Gather Input from Your Support Network
Talk to your family, close friends, and other members of your support network. They just may notice some challenges or opportunities that didn’t come up for you. Given how comprehensive a plan of care tends to be, it’s best to have all hands on deck.
Step 3: Get With Your Support Coordinator to Draft the Plan of Care
You won’t be putting your own plan of care together. That’s your support coordinator’s responsibility. They’ll work closely with you to document your goals, daily needs, and preferred supports. This may include identifying the number of hours of personal care assistance you need, outlining transportation or employment supports, and noting any health or safety issues that could use treatment or support.
The role you play focuses mainly on sharing what matters most to you, whether it’s:
- Being more independent at home.
- Staying more active in the community.
- Meeting another personal goal you’ve identified.
In addition to the above, keep the following tips in mind for a person-centered plan that fits you like a glove:
- Always be transparent. When talking with your SC, share your challenges openly and clearly. That way, the right supports can be included.
- Think ahead. A good plan not only fulfills your current needs but also brings you closer to your future goals.
- Stay involved in your care plan. Remember, this plan is yours – your voice carries the most weight. If you have a concern, say something to your SC.
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about building a winning person-centered plan. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best as you learn how best to advocate for yourself.
