Importance of significant relationships when working in a person-centred way

Understanding Significant Relationships in Health and Social Care

Significant relationships refer to the people who play a meaningful, personal role in the life of the individual you support. These may include:

• Close family members
• Friends and partners
• Carers and neighbours
• Spiritual or community leaders
• Long-term pets
• Trusted professionals such as key workers or advocates

Such connections are part of the person’s identity, history, and emotional well-being.

Person-Centred Care and Significant Relationships

Working in a person-centred way means placing the individual at the heart of their care and recognising them as unique, with their own values, experiences, and preferences. A key part of this approach is acknowledging and supporting their meaningful relationships.

These relationships can:

• Offer emotional support and reassurance
• Provide a sense of familiarity and encouragement
• Help individuals express their needs and participate in care decisions

Examples in Practice

• For an elderly resident, staying in contact with a spouse or adult children may reduce feelings of isolation.
• For a person with learning disabilities, a consistent friendship or sibling relationship may offer a trusted voice during care planning.
• Attending faith services or video calls with friends can positively impact mental health and well-being.

The Role of the Care Worker

Care workers should:

• Ask who matters to the individual and support those connections
• Include trusted individuals in care planning (with consent)
• Facilitate communication through phone or video calls
• Encourage cultural or religious practices
• Keep care plans updated to reflect changing relationships

Always prioritise the person’s wishes, respect their privacy, and support their right to choose who is involved in their care. Some individuals may prefer not to involve others, and that choice must be honoured.