An Approach That Recognizes Each Person as an Individual

Everyone who receives assistance has their own history, routines, abilities, preferences, and needs. Regardless of their health or level of independence, they remain individuals with their own choices, values, and life experiences.

Patient Service Associates or Orderlies adapt their approach to reflect this reality and provide assistance that considers the person as a whole.

This person-centred approach is an important part of CDI College's Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS program, in which students develop the skills needed to assist diverse populations with respect, professionalism, and compassion.

Seeing the Person Before the Situation

An illness, physical limitation, or cognitive challenge never defines a person.

Patient Service Associates seek to understand who the person is, what matters to them, and how they want to participate in activities of daily living.

This approach helps make assistance more personalized and respectful.

Respecting Choices and Preferences

Whenever circumstances allow, Patient Service Associates take each person's routines, preferences, and pace into account.

Respecting these individual choices can help preserve independence, dignity, and a sense of control over everyday life.

Even small choices can have a positive impact on a person's well-being.

👉 Learn more: Why Do Patient Service Associates Need to Respect People's Daily Routines?

Encouraging Participation

A person-centred approach also means recognizing what each person is still able to do.

Patient Service Associates encourage people to participate in activities they can still perform, based on their abilities and individual goals.

This approach can help maintain existing abilities while building confidence.

👉 Learn more: Why Do Patient Service Associates Need to Encourage People's Participation?

Adapting Every Interaction

There is no single approach that works for everyone.

Patient Service Associates adapt their assistance based on each person's needs and abilities, the circumstances, and changes in their condition or situation.

This flexibility allows them to provide assistance that respects each person's individuality.

👉 Learn more: Why Do Patient Service Associates Need to Adapt Their Approach to Each Person?

Skills Developed During Training

CDI College's Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS program prepares students to keep the person at the centre of every interaction.

Through courses, hands-on labs, and practicums, students develop the skills needed to observe people's needs, communicate respectfully, encourage participation, and provide assistance adapted to different circumstances.

This preparation helps them develop the professionalism, openness, and sensitivity needed to work in a variety of health and social services settings.

An Approach That Guides the Entire Profession

A person-centred approach shapes every aspect of a Patient Service Associate's work.

Whether supporting someone in a hospital, assisting a person at home, working in rehabilitation, or providing palliative care, this approach recognizes that every person deserves to be treated with respect, listened to, and supported with dignity.

It is a principle that gives purpose to the profession and guides the way assistance is provided.

Explore Further

👉 Why Are Activities of Daily Living at the Heart of Care and Assistance?

👉 Why Do Patient Service Associates Need to Explain Care Before Providing It?

👉 Why Do Patient Service Associates Need to Build Trust With the People They Support?

👉 Learn More About CDI College's Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS Program