Dignity in Care
We are proud to be one of the few organisations to be recognized as meeting the Dignity Challenge set by the Department of Health. This introduces the ‘Dignity in Care Guide’ which has 10 points organizations are challenged to meet.
Sir Michael Parkinson is the Ambassador for this campaign and has written an informative diary to share his views on why dignity matters.
At The Chace Rest Home we meet the Dignity Challenge in the following ways:
- Have a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse
All new staff must have an ISA clearance and CRB check before they start work.They are trained about the Protection of Vulnerable Adults and the policy and procedures which underpin the practice at the home including Whistleblowing - Support people with the same respect you would want for yourself or a member of your family
Each staff member is expected to treat people in a courteous and respectful manner at all times. The emphasis of the activity at the home is to work around the needs and wishes of the individuals. Every effort is made to ensure people are pain free, in an environment suited to their needs and are engaged in social, group or one to one interactions on a daily basis. - Treat each person as an individual by offering a personalised service
Each individual has a person centred care plan with as much detail about their history, needs, wants and aspirations as we can gather. This enables us to see the person as they have been all of their lives, not just as the presenting person. - Enable people to maintain the maximum possible level of independence, choice and control
Every aspect of the care at the home is based on the needs and wishes of the individual. They decide when they want to go to bed and get up, when and what to eat and how much involvement they want with other people or the daily activity in the home. - Listen and support people and enable them to express their needs and wants
Staff at the home expected to spend time with the individuals in our care, acknowledging their emotions, concerns and questions. Well being staff act as advocates for individuals and enable them to express their views through one to one conversation, group meetings and a regular newsletter is produced inviting comment or ideas. - Respect people’s right to privacy
Some people living at the home are more socially active than others. Each person is invited to join in with the social groups for specific activity or meals for example, however some people prefer the privacy of their room or a quieter spot.Every effort is made when assisting with personal care tasks to enable the person to be independent and supported in a way which maintains their dignity. - Ensure people feel able to complain without fear of retribution
Every comment, compliment or complaint is taken seriously by staff at the home and responded to in a manner which respects the persons right to comment and action is taken to resolve any matter causing concern. The home welcomes feedback of any kind and the ethos is one which embraces opportunities to enhance good practice. - Engage with family members and carers as care partners
Where families wish to be involved in some way to support the people living at the home, this is positively encouraged. Families are contacted regularly with updates, information and events which they can join in with. Families are invited twice yearly to take part in a review of the homes care of their relative but also our open door policy means they feel they can approach us at any time. - Assist people to maintain confidence and a positive self image
All staff work hard to make sure people living at the home feel safe and secure and able to express themselves freely be that through comments or concerns or maintaining their own identity through their clothing and appearance. Individuals are enabled to attend appointments in the community for hairdressing, shopping, and maintaining links with former clubs and associations. - Act to alleviate people’s loneliness and isolation
With the help and guidance of the well being staff, the people living at the home are encouraged by the whole staff team to be involved with social groups, form friendships or to maintain contact with families and friends. Efforts to do this in a way which offers choice and support are logged on the person centred plan. Feelings of loss and loneliness are acknowledged and one to one support enables people to express their emotions about their situation in a supportive way which may help them to move on.Frequent opportunities are made for people to access the community in either an organized or ad hoc way, thereby responding at the time support is needed.
