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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Dignity in Care Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} upholds the principles of dignity, respect, and person-centred care in accordance with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations, the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, and the Human Rights Act 1998. Dignity in care is fundamental to delivering high-quality support and ensures that service users are treated as individuals with unique preferences, rights, and needs. This policy sets out clear procedures and expectations to ensure that all service users receive compassionate, ethical, and rights-based care, promoting their independence, autonomy, and well-being.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, agency staff, volunteers, and external professionals working within {{org_field_name}}. It covers:

• Providing person-centred care that recognises the individuality of each service user and responds to their personal preferences, background, and values.
• Ensuring service users have control over their choices, privacy, and independence in daily living and decision-making.
• Preventing neglect, abuse, and discrimination by maintaining high standards of safeguarding and accountability.
• Promoting effective communication and active listening to maintain respectful, meaningful interactions with service users.
• Embedding staff training and professional development to ensure that dignity and respect are consistently upheld in care practices.

3. Principles of Dignity in Care

All staff must follow these key principles:

• Respect and empathy: Treat every service user as an individual, acknowledging their personal preferences, history, and culture.
• Choice and control: Empower service users to make informed decisions regarding their care and daily lives.
• Privacy and confidentiality: Protect service users’ personal information, space, and dignity in all aspects of care.
• Independence and support: Provide the necessary assistance to enable service users to maintain independence while ensuring safety.
• Inclusivity and fairness: Care must be delivered equitably and without discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010 and other relevant safeguarding legislation.

4. Person-Centred Care

Person-centred care means tailoring care and support to the unique needs of each individual. Staff must:

• Conduct detailed assessments to understand service users’ personal history, preferences, routines, and cultural needs.
• Ensure care plans reflect service users’ specific wishes regarding their daily routines, activities, meals, and overall care.
• Provide flexibility in care plans, ensuring they can be adapted to evolving preferences and changing needs.
• Encourage autonomy by supporting independent living skills, fostering confidence, and promoting a sense of self-worth among service users.

5. Respecting Choices, Privacy, and Independence

To uphold dignity, all staff must:

• Knock on doors and seek permission before entering a service user’s room or private space.
• Offer choices in daily activities, including clothing, mealtimes, recreational activities, and preferred methods of care delivery.
• Maintain confidentiality by storing and handling personal information securely in compliance with GDPR.
• Provide opportunities for service users to engage in their own care where possible, offering assistance only when needed.

6. Preventing Neglect, Abuse, and Discrimination

Dignity in care includes safeguarding service users from harm, neglect, and discrimination. Staff must:

• Undertake mandatory safeguarding training to understand their role in protecting service users.
• Immediately report any concerns regarding potential abuse, neglect, or poor treatment.
• Encourage an open culture where service users feel safe to express concerns about their care.
• Follow the Whistleblowing Policy, ensuring all concerns are investigated in a confidential and non-punitive manner.

7. Effective Communication and Active Listening

Respectful and effective communication is a key part of dignity in care. Staff must:

• Use clear, compassionate, and respectful language when addressing service users.
• Adapt communication styles to meet individual needs, such as using Makaton, sign language, or picture-based aids where required.
• Give service users the time they need to process and respond to information, ensuring they do not feel rushed or ignored.
• Avoid using infantilising, patronising, or dismissive language.
• Actively listen to service users’ feedback, emotions, and preferences, acknowledging their perspectives in care planning and daily interactions.

8. Staff Training and Development

All staff must receive training on dignity in care, including:

• Comprehensive induction training covering principles of respect, autonomy, and privacy in care.
• Ongoing professional development to stay updated on best practices in dignity and person-centred care.
• Workshops and reflective practice sessions to encourage critical thinking about dignity in care situations.
• Training in cultural competency to ensure all staff can support service users from diverse backgrounds appropriately.

9. Monitoring and Compliance

The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring:

• Regular audits are conducted to assess whether dignity in care standards are consistently upheld.
• Service user feedback mechanisms (such as surveys or one-to-one meetings) are used to gauge their experiences and satisfaction.
• Complaints regarding dignity-related concerns are promptly investigated and appropriately resolved.
• Staff receive ongoing support and supervision to reinforce best practices in upholding dignity in care.

10. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• CHW07 – Person-Centred Care Policy to ensure holistic and tailored approaches to individual care.
• CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy to ensure safety and dignity in care provision.
• CHW13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy to maintain robust safeguarding measures.
• CHW30 – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy to ensure fairness and respect in service delivery.
• CHW34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy to safeguard service users’ private information and uphold their dignity.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to changes in CIW regulations, legislation, or operational needs. Any amendments will be communicated to all staff, and additional training will be provided where necessary to maintain best practices.

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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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.