Resthaven has launched a new person-centred care initiative designed to strengthen personalised aged care by placing residents’ life stories, emotional needs and personal preferences at the centre of daily care.
Known as the “Being Me” framework, the initiative moves beyond a traditional “model of care” approach and encourages staff to build a deeper understanding of each resident as an individual, to create emotionally safe, relationship-based care environments.
The framework is built around four key pillars, including person-centred care, wellbeing and active ageing, clinical excellence, and environment and hospitality, and seeks to embed personal identity and lived experience into everyday care planning.
“At the heart of this approach is a simple idea: every person has a story and knowing that story helps staff provide care that feels safe, familiar, and respectful,” said Kelly Geister, Executive Manager, Residential Services at Resthaven.
A central feature of the framework is a “What Matters to Me” questionnaire, which invites residents to share personal routines, preferences and comfort needs. Staff then use the information to tailor care in ways designed to reduce distress and support wellbeing.
The questionnaire includes topics such as how residents prefer to begin their mornings, what helps them feel calm and what situations may trigger anxiety or discomfort.
Resthaven said the initiative recognises that seemingly small details can have significant emotional meaning. Examples outlined in the framework include residents who check doors and windows before bed as a way of seeking reassurance, or those who prefer quiet mornings and time for tea before engaging in conversation.
The framework also incorporates Trauma Aware and Healing Informed Care principles, encouraging staff to consider how past experiences may influence present behaviours and emotional responses.
Under the approach, staff are encouraged to recognise that routine care activities, including personal care or unexpected physical contact, may trigger feelings of distress or vulnerability for some residents.
“By embedding personal stories into everyday care, this initiative aims to create environments where residents feel safe, seen, and respected as the people they are.”
Alongside resident care, the framework acknowledges the emotional demands placed on aged care workers and encourages reflection, self-awareness and self-care among staff to help maintain safe and respectful relationships with residents.
Resthaven said the initiative aims to strengthen communication and trust between residents, families and care teams while supporting more responsive and respectful care.
