In 2007 the government started a campaign called the Dignity in Care Challenge which aimed to improve the care experience for all Service Users. It’s goal was increase awareness within the general public, Care Providers and Commissioners of Care to ensure that dignity is provided for all and abuse and disrespect is eliminated.
The challenge sets out 10 core values that people who use care services can expect:
1. Have a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse.
2. Support people with the same respect you would want for yourself or a member of your family.
3. Treat each person as an individual by offering a personalised service.
4. Enable people to maintain the maximum level of independence, choice and control.
5. Listen and support people to express their needs and wants.
6. Respect people’s right to privacy.
7. Ensure people feel able to complain without fear of retribution.
8. Engage with family members and carers as care partners.
9. Assist people to maintain confidence and positive self esteem.
10. Act to alleviate people’s loneliness and isolation.
Here at C&S Care Services, we believe that each and every person should be treated with dignity as it is a basic Human Right. We promote this ideal with new members of staff from the very beginning when they are in their interview and continues to be embedded in their ongoing knowledge via induction and training. Dignity is also regularly discussed in staff meetings to keep awareness current, to highlight areas of bad practice which can be resolved and pass on examples of those who are already providing dignity and respect for their Service Users.
Everyone needs to be involved in this challenge to ensure that Service Users or it could be a family member of yours, is always treated with respect and dignity. You can start to make a real difference others lives by looking at the Dignity in Care website http://www.dignityincare.org.uk/ and signing up to be a Dignity Champion. This will give you lots of ideas and inspiration of how you can improve the care experience of others… remember that one day it could be you…
