Historically, services have just focused on what is important for people and what is important to keep people healthy and safe. Working in a person-centered way requires that we see the person first – what matters to them, not just what the matter is with them. We need to learn what is important to the person and what is important for them and find the balance that works for them. This is then recorded on a one-page profile. (Helen Sanders and Associates)

How do we know what is important TO a person?

We need to consider not only what a person is saying with their words but also with their behaviour. Developmental Service Workers must remember that many of the people they support have learned to say what they think people want to hear. This may not be how they truly feel, so it is essential that we ‘listen’ to their behaviour with as much attention as we give to their words.

How do we know what is important FOR a person?

When we consider what is important FOR a person, we need to include those things that we need to be mindful of regarding their health and safety issues as well as what others see as important for the person to be a valued part of their community.

Balancing Important TO and Important FOR

It is important to have a balance in life. None of us has a life where we have everything that is important TO us, nor do we pay perfect attention to everything that is important FOR us. We do strive for a balance between them. To find a balance for the person, you are supporting; you first need to determine what is important to and for them and identify any conflict between them.

In this video you’re about to watch, Michael Smull will describe the Important To and Important For Person-Centered Tool.  Michael has been providing person-centered services and training direct support professionals across North America for many years.

Download Important to and for – Transcript Word Doc [30.5 KB]