Dignity: making it happen Annie Stevenson Head of Older Peoples Services Elaine Cass Practice Development Manager

Workshop aim Examine how dignity can be made fundamental to care provision by identifying our own barriers and solutions

Overview of selected research What dignity means: a state, quality or manner worthy of esteem or respect; and (by extension) self-respect. Dignity in care, therefore, means the kind of care, in any setting, which supports and promotes, and does not undermine, a persons self-respect regardless of any difference.

What protects dignity? resilience older peoples rights, person centred care

What threatens dignity? ageism discrimination abuse

Respect

training and induction (delivery involving older people) zero tolerance of negative attitudes towards older people person-centred and not service or task- oriented. 'time to talk involve intergenerational work

Communication information acceptable levels of both spoken and written English culturally appropriate dont make assumptions, always ask communication training - dementia listen

Social inclusion social networks transport respect and utilise peoples skills community presence

Autonomy equality control accessible information take time to support decision making participation in service development previous history and preferences advocacy DP/IB

Privacy confidentiality, information on a need to know basis respect personal and sexual relationships in conjunction with careful assessment of risk choose interpreters with the consent of the service user permission to enter someones personal space, access to personal possessions and documents privacy for conversations, telephone calls, mail single-sex facilities discreet service provision

Hygiene and personal appearance maintain personal hygiene, appearance, living environment, to personal standards lifestyle choices dont make assumptions about appropriate standards of hygiene for individuals

Mealtimes and nutrition routine nutritional screening food accessible between mealtimes time to eat – staffing levels discreet assistance choice to socialise or eat in private dont make assumptions about peoples preferences always ask staff with the time and the skills to prepare a freshly cooked meal of choice good quality food that is appetising facilities for people to make drinks and snacks access to water

Complaints people feel confident to complain staff and managers view complaints as a means of ensuring that the service is responsive, and not as a threat problems are picked up at an early stage and lessons are learned which lead to service improvements poor practice is highlighted and rectified vulnerable people are protected and have access to advocacy

Whistle blowing staff awareness whistleblowing policy included in induction staff should be given information on external means of support (such as PCaW).

Conclusion – a culture of good practice dignity is the cornerstone competent staff, effective leadership, genuine participation are the building blocks SCIEs resources will help

SCIEs resources All resources can be downloaded from our website Most resources are available in hard copy - call All resources are free

Workshop 15 minutes groups of 4 /5 What are the barriers to ensuring dignity in care? What are the possible solutions?

Sharing ideas 15 minutes Feedback on discussion and practice examples

Summing up Action planning What will you do when you return to your workplace? How will you tell whether it makes a difference?