One Size Does Not Fit All

Putting Person-Centered Care into Action

CICOA’s Flourish Care Management department places great value on practicing a person-centered approach to care management. What exactly does this mean? To me, person-centered care means viewing each client as an individual with different wants and needs. It also means that the client should be highly involved in every decision made about their life and their care plan. It is the belief that the client is the ultimate expert on their life. After all, who has been living that life all along?

This person-centered approach, among many other things, is what continues to motivate me in my work as a CICOA care manager. There is nothing better than meeting a new client and getting to know all about what makes them, them. This period of learning about each of our clients and their wants, goals and needs allows us as care managers not only to build a strong rapport, but also it continually guides us in working together with them and determining the most beneficial plan of care. There is no “one size fits all” to care management. I think that is one of the most important things to remember when bringing your best self to work each day.

A person-centered approach to work culture, too

Not only does CICOA value this person-centered approach in working with clients, but I believe CICOA uses this approach with their employees as well. When I first started my position as a CICOA care manager, I quickly learned this. I was told that I would be able to work from home, but that I could still come into the office to work if that’s what worked best for me. I was given choices about when and how I worked. This flexibility that has been granted to me truly makes me feel empowered to take charge of my work. After all, I know how I work best.

It feels great to work for an organization that practices person-centered thinking in everything that they do. I feel confident about the plan of care for my clients and their families when they have been directly involved in creating that plan of care. And I feel confident in my role when I have the flexibility to work in a way that works best for me and with the support of my supervisor who understands my wants and needs.

Allie Wallace

Allie started working as a care manager at CICOA in May 2018, after graduating with her Master’s in Social Work from IUPUI. Allie is passionate about social justice, and loves having the opportunity to spend her time helping and empowering others. In her free time, Allie enjoys spending time with her family and friends—including her 2 cats, Beans and Benjamin; and her brand new nephew!