What Person-Centred Planning Really Means in Acquired Brain Injury Services
Share
Person-centred planning is often referenced in acquired brain injury services, but its practical meaning is frequently misunderstood. In ABI contexts, planning must respond to cognitive impairment, fluctuating insight, behavioural change and long-term recovery trajectories. Commissioners and inspectors increasingly expect providers to demonstrate how person-centred planning actively shapes support, rather than existing as a static document.
This article explores what person-centred planning genuinely means in ABI services and how it should operate in practice. It should be read alongside Person-Centred Planning & Strengths-Based Support and Service Models & Care Pathways.
Why person-centred planning is different in ABI services
ABI support often involves individuals who experience changes in memory, emotional regulation, insight and decision-making capacity. Planning must therefore be dynamic, reflective and responsive to change.
Commissioner and inspector expectations
Two expectations are consistently applied:
Expectation 1: Plans must influence practice. Inspectors expect support plans to clearly guide daily routines, risk management and staff responses.
Expectation 2: Planning must reflect current need. Commissioners expect plans to be reviewed regularly and updated as recovery or deterioration occurs.
Operational example 1: Translating plans into daily routines
An ABI service linked person-centred goals directly to daily support routines, ensuring staff understood how outcomes shaped their actions.
Capturing what matters to the person
Effective plans prioritise identity, preferences and aspirations alongside care and risk needs.
Operational example 2: Identity-led planning
A provider redesigned plans to include personal history and interests, improving engagement and emotional wellbeing.
Supporting involvement despite cognitive impairment
Person-centred planning must include supported decision-making approaches.
Operational example 3: Structured involvement tools
A service introduced visual prompts and shorter planning sessions to support meaningful involvement.
Reviewing plans over time
Plans should evolve alongside recovery, relapse or changing goals.
What good looks like in inspection
Inspectors look for:
- Clear links between plans and daily practice
- Evidence of review and adaptation
- Staff understanding of individual goals
Person-centred planning as active practice
In ABI services, person-centred planning is a living process. Providers that embed it into everyday delivery demonstrate stronger outcomes, safer practice and clearer quality assurance.
💼 Rapid Support Products (fast turnaround options)
- ⚡ 48-Hour Tender Triage
- 🆘 Bid Rescue Session – 60 minutes
- ✍️ Score Booster – Tender Answer Rewrite (500–2000 words)
- 🧩 Tender Answer Blueprint
- 📝 Tender Proofreading & Light Editing
- 🔍 Pre-Tender Readiness Audit
- 📁 Tender Document Review
🚀 Need a Bid Writing Quote?
If you’re exploring support for an upcoming tender or framework, request a quick, no-obligation quote. I’ll review your documents and respond with:
- A clear scope of work
- Estimated days required
- A fixed fee quote
- Any risks, considerations or quick wins