At Devon Lodge Private Residential Home, person-centred care is at the heart of everything we do. It’s a term that’s widely used across health and social care, but one of the most common questions people ask is: how many values actually support person-centred care?
The honest answer is that there isn’t a single fixed number. Different frameworks and organisations may group the values slightly differently. However, most approaches tend to focus on 6 to 8 core values that consistently underpin high-quality, person-centred support.
Let’s explore what that means in practice.
Is There a Set Number of Person-Centred Care Values?
Person-centred care is based on principles rather than a strict checklist. Because of this, the “number of values” can vary depending on the model being used.
However, across UK health and social care settings, the most widely recognised set usually includes around seven key values. These values ensure that care is tailored to the individual rather than the system.
So while you may see different lists, they are all built around the same central idea: putting the person first in every aspect of care.
The Core Values That Support Person-Centred Care
Here are the most commonly accepted values that support a person-centred approach:
Why These Values Matter in Residential Care
In a residential care setting, these values are not just theoretical, they directly shape everyday life.
They influence:
- How care plans are created
- How staff communicate with residents
- How routines are structured
- How independence is supported
- How emotional wellbeing is prioritised
When these values are consistently applied, residents are more likely to feel safe, respected, and truly at home.
Person-Centred Care in Practice at Devon Lodge
At Devon Lodge, person-centred care means adapting support around the individual, not expecting individuals to adapt to rigid routines.
That might include:
- Flexible daily schedules
- Personalised activities and social opportunities
- Respecting long-standing habits and preferences
- Encouraging family involvement in care planning
It’s about ensuring every resident is treated as a person first, not just a care need.
Why Person-Centred Care Values Matter
So, how many values support person-centred care? While there’s no single official number, most care frameworks highlight around six to eight core values, all working together to ensure care is respectful, individual, and empowering.
What matters most isn’t the number itself, but how consistently these values are lived out in everyday care.