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The Dignity in Care Initiative makes sure all
older people are treated with dignity and respect when receiving
health and social care services.
The initiative was launched by the Department of Health in
November 2006 and extended to mental health services in August
2007.
We want to create a zero tolerance of lack of dignity in the
care of older people, in any care setting. We want to inspire and
equip local people: service users, carers, relatives or care staff
with the information, advice and support they need to take action
to drive up standards of care with respect to dignity for the
individual.
The dictionary definition for dignity is:
"A state or quality or manner worthy of esteem or respect; and (by
extension) self-respect."
Dignity in Care is interpreted as:
"The kind of care, in any setting, which supports and promotes, and
does not undermine, a person's self -respect regardless of any
difference."
A lack of respect for your dignity in care means feeling
neglected or ignored whilst receiving care; being treated more as
an object than a person; feeling privacy is not respected during
intimate care; being addressed in a disrespectful way or with a
disrespectful attitude.
We intend to make sure dignity in care is extended to all adults
receiving health and social care services irrespective of the
setting and service provider, thereby including all vulnerable and
hard to reach groups.
The ten point dignity challenge is a clear statement of what
people can expect from a service that respects dignity.
- Have a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse
- Support people with the same respect you would want for
yourself or a member of your family
- Treat each person as an individual by offering a personalised
service
- Enable people to maintain the maximum possible level of
independence, choice and control
- Listen and support people to express their needs and wants
- Respect people's right to privacy
- Ensure people feel able to complain without fear of
retribution
- Engage with family members and carers as care partners
- Assist people to maintain confidence and a positive self
esteem
- Act to alleviate people's loneliness and isolation
You can download our
Dignity in Care Action Plan and in an easy read
Dignity in Care Statement.
Become a Dignity Champion Today by ringing 0207 972 4007 or sign
up online at
www.dignityincare.org.uk |