How should families be involved in person-centered care planning?

• A. Involve family or carers when appropriate and with consent to support decisions
• B. Always involve family regardless of consent
• C. Family preferences override the person’s choices
• D. Exclude family to protect confidentiality

Answer: (C)

Person-centered care planning prioritizes the individual’s autonomy, values, and goals. Family or carers should be involved as partners to support decisions when the person consents and wants their input, providing advocacy and practical help while information is shared only with those the person authorizes. The plan should always reflect the person’s preferences; if family wishes conflict with the person’s stated choices, the person’s decisions take precedence, with professionals facilitating a respectful dialogue. Involvement should happen when appropriate and with consent, and confidentiality must be respected; excluding family unnecessarily can remove helpful support and advocacy.