Social Care Theory for Practice Values

A Definition of Values Values are part of our personality and direct how we behave, think and therefore how we feel Our values influence our decision making and our interaction with others It is important, therefore, to be aware of our own value base

Values are what we consider good or beneficial to our well being. Values are learned beliefs, largely culturally determined and show in our attitudes

As we go through life our values often change As you gain experience in care work you will become aware that the personal values you hold can affect the way work

Where do Values Come From Life Experiences Politics Religion Knowledge Base Learning

How are Values Expressed Communication Relationships Political Policy Religious Ceremony The Environment Our Individuality

Value Base A system of values to guide the care profession. This includes the promotion of anti-discriminatory practice, the maintenance of confidentiality, the promotion of individual rights and choices.

Putting Social Care Values into Practice The ideal of many societies is that all people are equal Individuals have a right to equality throughout their life

Care Workers can Promote Equal Opportunities by Respecting personal beliefs Valuing opinions Supporting choices Encouraging independence Maintaining dignity

Maintaining privacy Ensuring access to information Ensuring equality of opportunity Enabling decision making Maintaining confidentiality

Ensuring Dignity and Respect Being respectful and involving the minimum number of people when providing personal care If the service user feels uncomfortable with particular members of staff allow other people to work with them where possible

Using language that is respectful and calling service users by their preferred name Running the establishment to meet the service users needs Understanding the service users perspective on things

Enabling the service user to do things for themselves rather than doing things for them and disabling them The attitude of caring that permeates through all activities and reflects on our approach and tone of voice used with service users

Not embarrassing service users Making sure that discussions about personal matters are held private Giving the service user a way out of conflicts or disagreements that leave them with feelings of self worth rather than feeling humiliated

Valuing Confidentiality Organisations should have a policy on confidentiality and explained to the service users Information is only disclosed on a need to know basis Files are kept in locked cupboards. Files held on computers should be secured with passwords

Private letters and documents should be kept in a secure place A safe environment should be made available to discuss private issue Phone conversations should not be held when others are present

Service users should be made aware that some information can’t be kept confidential and has to be passed on to the appropriate person Promoting confidentiality usually results in good working relationships with service users as they are more likely to discuss issues with you

Conflict Values in conflict often stem from our sociological background: Gender Class Culture Religion Age Language

Potential Indicators of Conflict When people are uncertain of their responsibilities Conflict of interest A history of past conflict Barriers to communication Unexpected behaviour Roles set by status or convention When consensus is required

Lose-Lose When each person does not get what they want Win-Lose When one party gets everything, the other gets nothing Win-Win When both parties get what they want, promoting good working relationships