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Dignity and Privacy in Care Policy

Aim

The aim of the organisation is to ensure that every user of our services is able to do so with privacy, dignity, independence and choice.

Background

Cavendish Homecare Professionals believe that the ability to live with privacy and dignity is a basic human right and one which should be available to every client using our domiciliary care services. Privacy can be defined as the right to be alone or undisturbed and to be free from unwarranted intrusion or public attention. Dignity can be defined as being able to live your life in such a way as to be worthy of esteem and respect.

Policy

  1. Clients’ rights to privacy will be respected at all times.
  2. Clients will be placed at the very centre of their assessment, planning and delivery of care and all of their treatment and support options will be explained to them and discussed with them wherever possible.
  3. The autonomy of clients and their right to make their own decisions will be supported and respected at all times. This will include ensuring that clients are given the information they need to make choices and respecting their right to take informed risks, while balancing the need for preference and choice with safety and effectiveness.
  4. The choice of clients to care for themselves or manage their own treatment, wherever they can, will be fully respected and appropriate levels of support provided.
  5. Where a client is suspected of having limited capacity to exercise choice and autonomy they will be assessed under the Mental Capacity Act
  6. The privacy, dignity, independence and human rights of people who use our services will be supported by ensuring that:
    • clear procedures are in place, which are followed in practice, monitored and reviewed, that ensure staff understand the concepts of privacy, dignity, independence and human rights and how they should be applied to the people who use the service
    • staff actively listen to clients, their families and representatives, involving them and including them in decision-making wherever possible
    • staff recognise, respect and value the diversity and human rights of people who use our services, including the person’s social and cultural diversity, values and beliefs that may influence their decisions and how they want to receive care, treatment and support
    • staff cooperate with independent advocacy services wherever a person who uses our services uses one
    • staff have access to appropriate training
  1. Staff will respect the privacy and property of clients’ homes, always knocking on the door before entering a client’s house or room. They will treat clients with dignity and respect at all times and will address clients in the manner that they prefer, such as Mrs/Mr/Miss and surname or by their first name or nickname.
  2. The privacy of clients’ records and personal information will be respected at all times by staff, and clients are entitled to expect confidentiality in all matters.
  3. All clients will be consulted on any matter or activity that may impinge upon their care in any way, and will have their wishes respected.
  4. Every aspect of a client’s culture, religious practices, faith and beliefs will be respected by staff.

Management duties

Managers have a duty to:

  • Ensure that this policy is operated throughout the organisation at all times and to keep all aspects of it monitored and under review.
  • Investigate any complaints about privacy and dignity or lack of respect, and review relevant incident reports, looking out for any trends or patterns that may indicate improvement action needs to be taken.
  • Communicate this policy to employees, agency staff and relevant others.
  • Provide training and guidance as appropriate and ensure the attendance of staff, including training on induction and management courses covering respect for clients.

Staff duties

Staff have a duty to:

  • Involve clients in their own care wherever possible, consulting them, providing adequate information to enable them to make informed decisions and respecting their decisions wherever appropriate.
  • Respect clients’ privacy and dignity at all times, especially when performing personal care tasks, and treat clients
  • with sensitivity, respect and thoughtfulness.
  • Knock before entering a client’s home and always address clients by the title or name that they prefer.
  • Allow clients to do things for themselves whenever appropriate and maintain their independence wherever possible.
  • Keep information about clients confidential and never discuss private or personal issues with a client in public or gossip about clients.

 

 

Date: January 2024

Version: 9 (Review)

Source: Expert Care Manager