A Guide to Person-Centered Care Plans for those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

What You will Learn in this Guide

Person-centered care plans help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities define goals, guide services, and shape supports around their choices.

• Why person-centered care planning matters
• Five key considerations in a person-centered care plan
• How Bello Machre supports individuals and families through planning

Why Person-Centered Care Planning Matters for Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Person-centered care planning is an approach that empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to take charge of their lives by placing their goals, preferences, and daily lives at the center of decision-making. In Maryland, person-centered plans (PCPs) ensure the rights of those who receive funding through the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA) to plan their lives the way they want them. 

The PCP is directed by the individual and created together with their team. The team includes the person’s coordinator of community services (CCS), care providers, direct support professionals (DSPs), and other important people, such as family and friends, who have been chosen by the individual. In order to continue, or request new services, the PCP must be reviewed annually and submitted to the DDA annually via the CCS.

Whether you are starting your first care plan for intellectual disabilities, updating an existing one, or preparing for an annual PCP review, there are a few considerations for optimizing the process and setting up a successful intellectual disability care plan. This blog serves as a guide for individuals with disabilities, their support staff, and family.

Five Key Considerations for a Person-Centered Care Plan

1. Centered on the individual with special needs

A person-centered care plan is centered on the individual, ensuring that the preferences, goals, and choices of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities guide all decisions. The planning process is designed to identify and support what matters most to the person to promote independence, well-being, and inclusion in the community.

During a PCP review, the team should pay special attention to the preferences of the individual and incorporate them into the PCP. This personalized approach ensures that the plan is tailored to the individual’s likes, dislikes, and overall goals.

The PCP review environment should encourage self-advocacy, with the individual actively participating in discussions about their support plans. This empowerment builds confidence and ensures that the care plan is truly person-centered.

2. Caregiver and support network collaboration

Person-centered care planning is a collaborative process led by the individual and supported by their care team. This includes the Coordinator of Community Services (CCS), direct support professionals, care providers, family members, and others chosen by the individual with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

By bringing together support staff, family members, and other advocates and support networks, the PCP ensures open and transparent communication among all parties. All those involved are encouraged to provide their input, thereby fostering a more effective plan. 

Each party is able to bring unique perspectives to the conversation. For example, a DSP might have valuable insight into what outings or activities the individual enjoys – say cooking versus bowling, or volunteering instead of going out to the movies.

3. Individual Goal review and goal-setting

A person-centered care plan serves as a guide for reviewing progress and setting meaningful, individualized goals. It provides clarity for the individual, their CCS, support staff, and care providers by aligning services with evolving needs, preferences, and aspirations.

The PCP is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the individual’s achievements, both big and small. It also is a time to reflect on any challenges faced throughout the past year. The PCP team can work with the individual to gain and offer insights into what has worked well and what adjustments are required.

4. Feedback mechanism and guide for care providers

Person-centered care plans serve as both a feedback mechanism and a guide for care providers supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They help assess whether services are meeting the individual’s needs and inform adjustments as goals or circumstances change.

The PCP also services as a guide for all support staff. Throughout the year, support staff should review and record progress toward goals laid out in the PCP. When new support providers join the individual’s team, they can turn to the PCP for a thorough understanding of the individual’s wishes and desires, and the services required to meet those goals.

5. Financial and physical health and wellbeing

A comprehensive person-centered care plan for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities considers both physical health and financial well-being. This includes healthcare needs, required accommodations, legal protections, and appropriate use of available resources.

Also, review the legal and financial aspects of the care plan. Ensure that all legal protections are in place and that financial resources are allocated appropriately to meet the individual’s needs. Doing so safeguards the individual’s rights and future well-being.

Our Commitment to Person-Centered Care Plans

For more than 50 years, Bello Machre has offered children, adults and seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Rett Syndrome, epilepsy, TBI and more with the services, opportunities, and support they need to live full, independent, rich lives.

In Maryland, person-centered planning is a required part of accessing and maintaining Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) funded services. We’ve been privileged to participate in hundreds of person-centered care plans annually. If you’d like to talk more about how to optimize the PCP review process, please reach out to us today.