At Crescent Cila Homes, we believe that every individual deserves to be the primary decision-maker in their own life. Person-centered planning is the cornerstone of our approach to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). This comprehensive guide explores how person-centered planning works, its benefits, and how it transforms lives.
What Is Person-Centered Planning?
Person-centered planning is an approach that places the individual with disabilities at the center of their support plan. Unlike traditional service models that focus primarily on limitations or diagnoses, person-centered planning:
- Emphasizes the individual’s strengths, preferences, and aspirations
- Recognizes the person as the expert on their own life
- Involves family members, friends, and other important people as partners
- Creates flexible and responsive support systems
- Focuses on achieving meaningful outcomes defined by the individual
The Core Principles of Person-Centered Planning
Effective person-centered planning adheres to several fundamental principles:
- Self-determination – Individuals have the right to make choices about their lives
- Strengths-based approach – Planning builds on capabilities rather than focusing on deficits
- Community inclusion – Support plans promote meaningful participation in community life
- Natural supports – Family, friends, and community connections are valued and integrated
- Continuous learning – Plans evolve based on experiences and changing preferences
- Dignity of risk – Individuals have the right to take reasonable risks to achieve personal growth
The Person-Centered Planning Process
The person-centered planning process typically includes these key steps:
- Preparation and engagement – Building trust and explaining the process
- Gathering information – Learning about the person’s history, preferences, and goals
- Building a personal profile – Identifying strengths, interests, support needs, and aspirations
- Exploring possibilities – Brainstorming options and opportunities
- Developing an action plan – Creating specific, measurable steps toward goals
- Implementation – Putting the plan into action with appropriate supports
- Review and adaptation – Regularly evaluating progress and adjusting as needed
Different Approaches to Person-Centered Planning
Several established methodologies support person-centered planning:
- PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) – A creative planning process that starts with the “dream” and works backward to identify steps
- MAPS (Making Action Plans) – Focuses on including the person in their community and building natural supports
- Essential Lifestyle Planning – Emphasizes daily routines and preferences that are important to the individual
- Personal Futures Planning – Builds a comprehensive vision for the future based on the person’s capacities
- Charting the LifeCourse – Considers all life domains and stages to create a vision for a good life
Benefits of Person-Centered Planning
Research has consistently shown that person-centered planning leads to significant improvements in quality of life:
- Increased self-determination and personal control
- Greater community participation and social connections
- Improved satisfaction with services and supports
- Better coordination among service providers
- Enhanced skills development and independence
- Reduced challenging behaviors
- Higher quality of life ratings
Overcoming Challenges in Implementation
While person-centered planning offers tremendous benefits, implementing it effectively can involve navigating certain challenges:
- System constraints – Working within funding limitations and regulatory requirements
- Changing mindsets – Shifting from traditional service models to truly person-centered approaches
- Balancing safety and risk – Supporting informed choice while addressing legitimate safety concerns
- Building capacity – Ensuring staff have the skills and resources to implement plans effectively
- Maintaining momentum – Keeping the focus on the person’s goals amid day-to-day demands
Person-Centered Planning in Different Life Domains
Person-centered planning addresses all aspects of an individual’s life:
- Home life – Housing options, roommate compatibility, daily routines
- Employment and meaningful activities – Work preferences, volunteer opportunities, creative pursuits
- Relationships – Building and maintaining connections with family, friends, and romantic partners
- Health and wellness – Physical and mental health supports, preferred healthcare providers
- Learning and growth – Educational goals, skill development, new experiences
- Spirituality and culture – Religious practices, cultural traditions, personal values
- Community participation – Recreation, civic engagement, community presence
Tools and Strategies for Effective Planning
Several practical tools enhance the person-centered planning process:
- Visual supports – Pictures, videos, and graphics that aid communication
- Communication passports – Documents that help others understand how a person communicates
- One-page profiles – Concise summaries of what’s important to and for a person
- Decision-making agreements – Clear outlines of how decisions will be made and supported
- Relationship maps – Visual representations of a person’s social connections
- Technology tools – Apps and software designed to support planning and implementation
How Crescent Cila Homes Implements Person-Centered Planning
At Crescent Cila Homes, our person-centered approach includes:
- Dedicated planning facilitators who are trained in person-centered methodologies
- Regular planning meetings that meaningfully include the individual
- Flexible staffing models that adapt to individual preferences and needs
- Community partnership development to expand opportunities for inclusion
- Ongoing staff training in person-centered thinking and practices
- Measurement of person-centered outcomes to ensure effectiveness
Supporting Self-Advocacy Through Person-Centered Planning
Person-centered planning serves as a powerful tool for developing self-advocacy skills:
- Individuals learn to articulate their preferences and needs
- The planning process provides a forum for practicing decision-making
- Success in achieving personal goals builds confidence
- Individuals develop their unique voice and leadership abilities
- Self-advocacy groups can provide peer support in the planning process
Getting Started with Person-Centered Planning
If you’re interested in implementing person-centered planning:
- Start with the person’s interests, strengths, and preferences
- Invite important people in the person’s life to participate
- Use accessible communication methods
- Take small steps toward meaningful goals
- Celebrate successes along the way
- Review and adjust regularly
- Connect with experienced facilitators for guidance
To learn more about our person-centered approach at Crescent Cila Homes, contact us at 708-518-3260 or visit our location at 19279 Lake Park Dr., Lynwood IL 60411.
This guide is provided for informational purposes. Each individual’s planning process should be customized to their unique needs, preferences, and circumstances.