When consumers are given the opportunity to choose where, how, and by whom they receive their care; and make their own decisions about mealtime, bedtime, which activities they engage in, and generally direct their own lives to the greatest extent possible, they have better health outcomes, more independence, and lead more fulfilling lives. Too often, decisions they can and would like to make themselves are made by others. This is because, at times, person-centered care plans can be cursory and driven by the needs of the health plans, government agencies, or managed care plans, rather than by the needs and desires of the consumer.
Thankfully, the CMS rule has prompted a renewed focus on person-centered care planning among health care professionals and advocates. This report, created with support from the John A. Hartford Foundation, is a tool for health care providers, plan administrators, and advocates to help them understand the scope of the rules and be able to identify when they sometimes fall short.
"We are very pleased to be supporting Justice in Aging in this work, said Marcus Escobedo, Senior Program Officer at the John A. Hartford Foundation. "This topic is not academic. Understanding these rules is crucial if we are to deliver on the promise of true person-centered care that will allow consumers receiving long-term services and supports to achieve greater independence and lead a better quality of life."