HCBS Training

Being person-centered means that we are actively listening to others and building meaningful relationships with people. These practices help people to lead to better lives and keep us focused on the strengths, dreams, and interests of each person who receives Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).

Being person-centered means that we assume everyone is always learning. This applies to the people we support, family, and staff members who provide direct services. For this reason, being person-centered can be viewed as a journey. Every decision that is made as a part of HCBS provides an opportunity to assess and improve on person-centered efforts. Person-centered practices provide one way for an organization to reflect on how services are provided and to make changes that improve outcomes for people.

Here are three ways to think about being person-centered. 

• Person-Centered Strategies are used by everyone in a service setting to build positive relationships and learn more about what brings joy and makes life worth living for each person. These strategies include tools for finding out what is important to a person as well as understanding any needs for their health, safety, and well-being (important for).
• Person-Centered Planning is a process that creates a plan for a positive and meaningful life for someone by building on their interests and strengths. Different methods can be used to help a person create their dream for a better future.
• Person-Centered Organizational Changes address how services and supports are planned and delivered. These changes include making edits to policies to make it easier to be person-centered, adding ongoing opportunities for learning, and building community supports. Services for people across the lifespan are changed in ways that improve quality of life outcomes.

The term person-centered practices is used to refer to these three ways to think about being person-centered. If you are not currently using any of the strategies above, these modules will help you to start exploring what opportunities are available in your region to help you move forward.

Whether you know a lot about person-centered practices or are just learning, these modules can help you build on what you want to improve in the HCBS you provide. The goal of this training is to introduce an action-planning process that builds on the strengths of your services and seeks new solutions to everyday problems.

Listen to what these Minnesota providers, trainers, and state and county leaders have to say about implementing person-centered strategies:​