Which statement best reflects a person-centered approach to describing needs?

Which statement best reflects a person-centered approach to describing needs?

• A. The person has special needs.
• B. The person needs assistance with daily living.
• C. The person requires institutional care.
• D. The person cannot participate in planning.

Answer: (B)

Focusing on the person’s daily life, preferences, and goals is what makes language truly person-centered. Describing needs as the person needing assistance with daily living centers the individual and what supports will help them stay independent and engaged, rather than defining them by a condition or a service setting. It also invites the person to participate in planning and decision-making about their own care, which is core to empowering them. By contrast, labeling someone with a condition or “special needs” can reduce a person to a diagnosis, while stating they require institutional care emphasizes where they live rather than how they want to live. Saying they cannot participate in planning denies their voice and autonomy, which undermines collaboration and respect.

Focusing on the person’s daily life, preferences, and goals is what makes language truly person-centered. Describing needs as the person needing assistance with daily living centers the individual and what supports will help them stay independent and engaged, rather than defining them by a condition or a service setting. It also invites the person to participate in planning and decision-making about their own care, which is core to empowering them. By contrast, labeling someone with a condition or “special needs” can reduce a person to a diagnosis, while stating they require institutional care emphasizes where they live rather than how they want to live. Saying they cannot participate in planning denies their voice and autonomy, which undermines collaboration and respect.