At Woodhaven, our commitment to providing holistic and person-centered care for individuals with disabilities goes beyond just offering services; it’s about empowering individuals and their families to actively participate in the development of their support plans.
One of the core values that guide our work is collaborative decision-making — a process that fosters meaningful engagement between individuals, their families, and the support professionals who work with them. This approach not only leads to more effective and personalized care but also helps create a foundation of trust, respect, and shared responsibility.
What is Collaborative Decision-Making?
Collaborative decision-making is a process in which individuals, families, and service providers work together to create a support plan that reflects the unique needs, preferences, and goals of the individual.
Unlike traditional models where decisions are made solely by professionals, collaborative decision-making emphasizes the role of the individual and their family members as active participants in shaping their own care.
This approach recognizes the expertise and lived experience that individuals and families bring to the table, alongside the professional knowledge of care providers.
Why Is It Important?
1. Empowerment and Choice
When individuals with disabilities and their families are involved in the decision-making process, they are given a voice in how they want their lives to unfold. This sense of empowerment allows them to make choices about their own care, fostering a greater sense of control and independence.
Instead of simply receiving a one-size-fits-all plan, individuals can have input on what supports are most meaningful and how they want their care to be delivered.
2. Personalized and Holistic Support Plans
Each person has their own unique abilities, challenges, and aspirations. Collaborative decision-making ensures that support plans are tailored to meet these individual needs, rather than relying on generalized solutions.
Through active conversations with families and care providers, we can develop a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s needs, interests, and goals. This results in a more holistic and personalized support plan that addresses all aspects of a person’s life — from medical and therapeutic needs to social and recreational activities.
3. Strengthening Relationships and Trust
Involving families in the decision-making process helps to strengthen the relationship between families, individuals, and the support team. This partnership builds trust and fosters a sense of shared responsibility in achieving the individual’s goals.
When families feel heard and respected, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to the success of the support plan. This ongoing collaboration also ensures that adjustments can be made over time, keeping the plan flexible and responsive to changes in the individual’s needs or circumstances.
The Process of Collaborative Decision-Making
At Woodhaven, the collaborative decision-making process is not just a one-time event but an ongoing dialogue. It begins with a thorough assessment of the individual’s strengths, challenges, preferences, and aspirations. This is followed by regular meetings where individuals and their families can discuss their goals, explore potential options, and review the progress of the support plan.
Throughout this process, families are encouraged to share their insights and provide feedback. Our team of professionals, including case managers, therapists, and direct care staff, work alongside the individual and their family to ensure that the plan remains dynamic and responsive. As needs evolve, the support plan can be adjusted in a way that continues to align with the individual’s goals.
At Woodhaven, we believe that collaborative decision-making is not just a best practice; it is an essential part of how we support individuals with disabilities. We believe that everyone has the ability to add value and make an impact in their community and the lives of others. We believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity and independence in a home anyone would be proud to call their own.
By empowering individuals and families to actively participate in the development of support plans, we create care that is not only more effective but also more meaningful. When everyone involved in the process works together, the result is a plan that honors the individuality, dignity, and goals of the person at the center of it all.