Dignity with care
The Department of Health launched the Dignity In Care campaign in November 2006 due to their widespread concern about the quality of care that often results in abuse and disrespect to older people.
The campaign is about winning hearts and minds, changing the culture of care services and placing a greater emphasis on the quality of services.
The Safeguarding Board and the Local Authority is signed up to this campaign; the Royal College of Nursing is also behind the campaign.
Durham County Council has a small team of experienced nurses and social workers who are working with local care homes to improve their standards and raise awareness around dignity.
The Dignity Challenge
- Have a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse.
- Support people with the same respect you would want for yourself or a member of your family.
- Treat each person as an individual by offering a personalised service.
- Enable people to maintain the maximum possible level of independence, choice and control.
- Listen and support people to express their needs and wants.
- Respect people’s right to privacy.
- Ensure people feel able to complain without fear of retribution.
- Engage with family member and cares as care partners
- Assist people to maintain confidence and positive self esteem.
- Act to alleviate people’s loneliness and isolation.