CH74-Dignity in Care Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Dignity in Care Policy

1. Purpose

This policy ensures that all people we support are treated with dignity and respect at all times. It aims to uphold their rights, preferences, and autonomy while promoting person-centred care. It also ensures compliance with Regulation 10: Dignity and Respect under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. This policy ensures that care is delivered in a respectful and considerate manner, taking into account each individual’s needs, preferences, and beliefs, while preventing any practices that could compromise their dignity.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, including permanent, agency, and volunteers. It also applies to people we support receiving care at {{org_field_name}}, visitors, family members, advocates, and external professionals interacting with people we support. The principles outlined here are applicable across all areas of care provision and ensure that dignity remains at the core of our services.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside CH07 – Person-Centred Care Policy, CH09 – Consent to Care Policy, CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy, CH30 – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy, and CH42 – Communication and Engagement with People We Support and Families Policy.

4. Principles of Dignity in Care

4.1. Providing Person-Centred Care that Recognises Individuality and Respect

Care and support must be tailored to individual needs, preferences, and cultural backgrounds. People we support must be involved in all decisions affecting their care and support. Personal choices, religious beliefs, and lifestyle preferences must be respected and accommodated where possible. Staff must engage in active listening and respect each person’s voice in their own care plan.

4.2. Ensuring Privacy, Confidentiality, and Discretion in Personal Care

Personal care must be delivered discreetly, ensuring the person’s dignity is upheld. People we support must have private spaces for personal conversations and activities. Staff must always knock before entering rooms and seek permission before assisting with personal care. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times, and sensitive information must not be discussed in public areas.

4.3. Promoting Autonomy and Independence in Everyday Living

People we support must be empowered to make their own decisions and maintain independence. Assistive technology, mobility aids, and adaptive strategies should be provided to support independence. Staff must facilitate social inclusion, enabling people to participate in their communities. Decision-making support must be provided where needed, ensuring people retain as much control over their lives as possible.

4.4. Communicating Respectfully and Engaging in Meaningful Interactions

Staff must use polite, respectful, and clear language in all interactions. Communication preferences, including sign language, communication aids, and interpreters, must be honoured. People we support have the right to decline conversations or requests. Staff should engage in positive interactions, showing interest in the experiences and feelings of those receiving care.

4.5. Upholding Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Care Practices

Care must be delivered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, ensuring no discrimination based on age, disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. All staff must complete mandatory Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training. Staff must actively challenge discriminatory attitudes and practices while promoting an inclusive environment.

4.6. Delivering Personal Care with Sensitivity and Compassion

People must have choice over who provides their care, including gender preferences for personal care tasks. All personal care must be delivered in a dignified and respectful manner, ensuring the individual feels comfortable and safe. Staff must not rush or ignore preferences while assisting with personal care. Comfort and emotional well-being should be considered alongside physical needs.

4.7. Providing Dignified End-of-Life and Palliative Care

CH38 – End of Life and Palliative Care Policy must be followed, ensuring compassion, choice, and privacy for individuals receiving palliative care. Families and advocates should be involved in discussions about care preferences. End-of-life care should be managed with the utmost sensitivity and respect, ensuring individuals receive support that aligns with their wishes.

4.8. Maintaining Nutrition, Hydration, and Mealtime Dignity

Meals must be nutritious, culturally appropriate, and tailored to dietary needs. People must be given enough time to eat and drink comfortably without feeling rushed. Assistance with eating must be offered sensitively and respectfully. Choice must be provided regarding meal preferences, and independence in eating should be supported where possible.

5. Implementation and Monitoring

5.1. Ensuring All Staff Receive Training on Dignity in Care

All staff must complete Dignity in Care training during induction and through annual refresher courses. Regular supervision and observations will be conducted to ensure adherence to dignity principles. Training should emphasise best practices and real-world scenarios to reinforce understanding.

5.2. Appointing Dignity Champions to Promote Best Practice

Dignity Champions will be appointed to promote and monitor dignity in care practices. They will liaise with people we support, families, and staff to ensure concerns about dignity are addressed. Champions will also facilitate peer learning and share best practices.

5.3. Encouraging Feedback and Handling Complaints Efficiently

People we support, families, and staff are encouraged to provide feedback about dignity-related concerns. CH14 – Receiving and Acting on Complaints Policy applies to dignity-related complaints. Complaints must be handled with transparency, and lessons learned should be integrated into service improvements.

5.4. Conducting Regular Audits and Quality Assurance Reviews

Monthly dignity audits will be conducted to monitor adherence. Findings will be reviewed at quarterly governance meetings with senior management and care staff. Any identified issues will be addressed promptly, with continuous monitoring for improvement.

6. Responsibilities

6.1. The Role of the Registered Manager in Enforcing This Policy

The Registered Manager ensures this policy is implemented and monitored. They investigate dignity-related complaints and concerns and provide leadership in embedding a dignity-first culture. The manager is responsible for ensuring that all staff are aware of and adhere to dignity standards.

6.2. The Duty of All Staff Members to Uphold Dignity in Care

All staff members must adhere to the principles of dignity and respect in all interactions. They must report any breaches of dignity standards immediately and support people in maintaining their independence. Staff should demonstrate empathy and professionalism at all times.

6.3. The Role of Dignity Champions in Promoting a Dignity-First Culture

Dignity Champions promote best practices and train colleagues. They act as the first point of contact for dignity-related concerns and regularly engage with people we support for feedback. Champions advocate for continuous improvements in care standards.

7. Compliance with CQC Regulations

This policy aligns with Regulation 10: Dignity and Respect, Regulation 9: Person-Centred Care, and Regulation 13: Safeguarding from Abuse and Improper Treatment. CQC inspectors will evaluate compliance by observing interactions, reviewing feedback, and checking complaints and incident records for dignity-related concerns.

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation changes or business needs evolve.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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