Transcript Slide 1

LINKs CONFERENCE
22/02/08
Dignity
Martin Wilson
What is Dignity?
Dignity consists of many overlapping aspects, involving
respect, privacy, autonomy and self-worth.
A standard dictionary definition
• Dignity - A state, quality or manner worthy of esteem or
respect; and (by extension) self- respect.
What is the Dignity Challenge?
The dignity challenge is a clear
statement of what people can expect
from a service that respects dignity. It
is backed up by a series of dignity tests
that can be used by providers,
commissioners and people who use
services to see how their local services
are performing
Background to the Dignity
Challenge?
Ivan Lewis MP
Minister for Care Services, Department of Health
“Our challenge is to put dignity at the
heart of care services”
Health and social care working in partnership with a
range of organisations who represent and work with
older people and those who care for them
Legislation background to the
Dignity Challenge?
• Independence well-being and choice - green paper
(2005)
• Our health, our care, our say – white paper (2006)
• Outcomes framework for performance assessment of
adult social care.(2006)
improved health and emotional well being,
improved quality of life,
making a positive contribution,
increased choice and control,
freedom from discrimination and harassment,
economic well-being,
maintaining personal dignity and respect
Why develop a Dignity Challenge?
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There is evidence that in organisations there are
various factors that highlight the absence of dignity
in care. These include:
Bureaucracy
Poor management
Lack of leadership
Inappropriate training and induction
Difficulties with recruitment and retention
Overuse of temporary staff
The Dignity Challenge
High quality services that respect people’s
dignity should:
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 possible
level of independence, choice and control
5. Listen and support people to express their needs
and wants
The Dignity Challenge
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 a
positive self esteem
10. Act to alleviate people’s loneliness and
isolation
Support people with the same respect you would want
for yourself or a member of your family
By this we mean
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People should be responded to in a courteous and
considerate manner, ensuring time is taken to get
to know people
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People receiving services are helped to
participate as partners in decision making about
the services and support they receive.
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People are encouraged and supported to take
responsibility for managing themselves in
conjunction with, when needed, staff and other
information and support services.
Support people with the same respect you would want
for yourself or a member of your family (2)
Dignity tests
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Are we polite and courteous, even under
pressure?
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Is our culture about providing services for people
and supporting them rather than being about
‘tasks’?
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Do our policies and practices emphasise that we
should always try to see things from the
perspective of the person receiving the services?
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Do we ensure people receiving services are not
left feeling isolated or alone?
The Dignity Challenge Workshop
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Identify two things that you will do or will change
at work which will improve the dignity of the
people you work with (either service users or
colleagues). Place on appropriate Dignity Challenge
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Agree these with your Assistant Director and
place on the appropriate challenge and agree with
your line manager at your next supervision session
and action.
Become a Dignity Champion today
call 0207 972 4007
or sign up at www.dignityincare.org.uk
Improve local services with the Dignity in
Care Practice Guide at
www.scie.org.uk/practiceguide09/