Preference-based care is based on three steps:

  • Learn about each older adult’s preferences through conversations that capture the aspects of daily life that are most meaningful, enjoyable and important.
  • Share preference information with care team members and work together to create and carry out care plans that integrate the person’s preferences into daily care and enhance quality of life.
  • Reflect on your progress in honoring preferences through quality measurement and improvement techniques.

Preference Based Living resources guide you through each step:

  • Assessment – The Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory (PELI) is a scientifically validated tool to learn about older adults’ most important preferences. PELI questionnaires are available for nursing homes, with versions under development for additional long-term services and supports settings.
  • Integrating Preferences into Daily Care –  Tip sheets, training videos and webinars present innovative approaches to honor the preferences of older adults living in diverse settings. Topics include: designing care plans, understanding older adults’ top preferences, building staff investment in preference based care, and honoring choices when preferences involve risk.
  • Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement – Toolkits provide practical measures to evaluate and accelerate progress in honoring preferences at the individual, program and organizational level.

These resources are designed for every discipline involved in providing preference-based care to older adults. All are available for free download.