Posted on Dec 10, 2015

 

Since Rise was selected to be one of four agencies in Minnesota to participate in a yearlong demonstration project to implement Person-Centered Thinking (PCT) into all aspects of Rise, the preliminary results have been exciting.

Vice President Tim Dickie explains how PCT is transforming the way Rise carries out its important mission.

Is PCT a new concept at Rise?

PCT is more of an extension of how Rise has always delivered its customized services.

Thanks to the Minnesota Department of Human Services, who  is sponsoring this project with the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration (ICI), we have the tremendous advantage of having almost our entire staff trained by experts to use some truly effective tools that will change the way we deliver services.

The PCT methodology gives our team members new tools which are proving to be effective in further expanding their relationships with the people they serve.

How is PCT being implemented?

Following their two days of intensive training from ICI staff, Rise team members are incorporating the many new PCT tools on a daily basis. We also have a team of 17 leaders and coaches who meet on a regular basis to evaluate, plan, and coordinate efforts to embed PCT into all Rise services and programs. They exchange “what’s working and what’s not working” and pass those lessons on to Rise team members.

We have been pleased with how our professional team members have embraced this new approach, enabling us to move forward rather quickly with its implementation.

Give an example of PCT at work.

About 12 years ago, Lucy Mae Livingston had a bad headache and laid down to take a nap. She woke up hours later, her life changed forever due to a massive stroke. After living at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute for a year, she moved to a residential facility and started coming three days a week to Rise’s Adult Day Program. Rise’s team members provided her with customized services, but when Lucy put together a one-page profile, one of the great new PCT tools, it gave her ADP team members a much broader perspective of her and helped them better address her needs, interests, and goals.

Lucy Mae says she has “improved a whole lot by walking and talking” and participating is social activities with others.ADP Service Team Leader Lisa Heffner says Lucy is warm and caring to all.

What is ahead for PCT at Rise?

Rise will have at least 150 team members trained by the ICI by March. In addition, Anne Mornes who is our mental health coordinator for employment services in Hennepin County, and Crystal Woolcott, Day Training and Habilitation coordinator in Central Minnesota, are undergoing training with the ICI to be PCT trainers. They will continue training new employees in these methodologies.

PCT is also helping us think differently about our human resources and administrative practices. It has already resulted in a redesign of our performance appraisal system as well as standards of excellence for team members.

We recently found out the project has been funded for another year which means Rise will continue to receive technical consultation from ICI in our efforts to become a model person-centered organization.

I am a PERSON by Lucy Mae Livingston

You see a wheelchair and a person. I AM A PERSON …who happens to use a wheelchair.

You see an elderly person. I AM A PERSON…who has lived an eventful life, personally earning each one of these graphic and  expressive lines!

You see a person who is overweight. I AM A PERSON…who struggles with heart and diabetic issues that gravely impact my weight.

You hear a person who slurs her words. I AM A PERSON…who understands you. Yet, due to my stroke, it is difficult for you to understand me.

You hear a person who is tired and complains. I AM A PERSON…who has numerous pains inside this aging body compliments of diabetes, neuropathy, a congestive heart, and  having survived a stroke.

I was once young and energetic like you, too. I raised three children as a single parent. I lived through segregation and the Southern racial riots of the 1960s. I chose to move north to Minnesota where there were more opportunities! I worked with inner city children as part of the Head Start program. Eventually, I opened my own daycare for children who had a multitude of challenges. I am a grandmother to 13 and a great-grandmother to 11 beautiful children. I helped raise many others. My home was opened to many people who had no where else to live. I took good care of ALL the people who entered my life — loving each and every one of them while giving them my undivided attention.

 

Now it is my turn to need care from you.

 

When you provide me services, you are providing services to a PERSON.