LINKs CONFERENCE22/02/08

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 MPMinister 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?

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 ChallengeHigh quality services that respect people’s dignity should:

1. Have a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse2. Support people with the same respect you would

want for yourself or a member of your family3. Treat each person as an individual by offering a

personalised service4 Enable people to maintain the maximum possible

level of independence, choice and control5. Listen and support people to express their needs

and wants

The Dignity Challenge

6. Respect people’s right to privacy7. Ensure people feel able to complain

without fear of retribution8 Engage with family members and

carers as care partners9 Assist people to maintain confidence

and a positive self esteem10.Act to alleviate people’s loneliness and

isolation

Support people with the same respect you would want for yourself or a member of your

familyBy this we mean• People should be responded to in a courteous

and considerate manner, ensuring time is taken to get to know people

• People receiving services are helped to participate as partners in decision making about the services and support they receive.

• 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• Are we polite and courteous, even under

pressure?• Is our culture about providing services for

people and supporting them rather than being about ‘tasks’?

• Do our policies and practices emphasise that we should always try to see things from the perspective of the person receiving the services?

• Do we ensure people receiving services are not left feeling isolated or alone?

The Dignity Challenge - Workshop

• 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

• 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/