Dignity

Dignity

Dignity is an important care value as it ensures that the individual is cared for in the best way possible, meeting all their personal needs. Certifying that dignity is maintained is crucial as it lowers anxiety regarding trust between the client and carer, consequently building trust in the process.

Carers specific to elderly care treat and care for clients often with physical and mental problems that can have an effect on behaviour and ability. For example, an individual with Parkinson’s disease, will find activities interlinked with fine motor skills, such as drawing, cutting and sewing difficult, due to the struggle they have with steadiness.

Often these individuals will need assistance when eating, and it is common knowledge that many will find assistance with eating and drinking uncomfortable and embarrassing. To prevent the feelings of embarrassment, it is key as a carer to take necessary steps in order to make them feel less awkward and ensure they feel positive and comfortable around you. Achieving this also has a positive influence on the client’s wellbeing. Other aspects to consider are features such as maintaining and respecting the dignity of the individual. Although respect covers many key areas surrounding care, it is essential when maintaining dignity. Respectful gestures and etiquette are examples such as;

• Speaking politely
• Patience
• Respect
• Manners
• Courtesy

Confirming procedures, whether they may be generalised or medical, with the client is significantly unavoidable as it is their own health and wellbeing which has the potential to be altered either positively or negatively and regardless of their choices regarding the procedure, the choice is to be respected and obeyed, therefore not forced upon them, however encouragement is acceptable.

When seeing a client who could be struggling with a task, it is important to offer support in order to show that you care. Although it is crucial to allow and accept your client to be liberated, and independency is encouraged, it is important that dignity is kept and to therefore only intervene when necessary, with permission. This demonstrations that as a carer you are recognising their abilities and giving them independency and freedom to the suitable extent.

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