What is Social Care?
It is difficult to assign just one meaning to Social Care. We have defined it as all forms of personal and practical care and assistance provided to adults and children who may be vulnerable, unable to support themselves or just in need of extra support.
Social care is primarily aimed at supporting individuals in ways that allow them to live independently. Social care is usually provided within peoples’ homes or in care-specific establishments, as opposed to hospitals or doctor’s surgeries.
What are the 6 C’s in health and social care?
The 6 C’s are a set of values designed for all health and social care staff within the UK. The list of values is considered essential to working in a compassionate care role.
- Care
- Compassion
- Competence
- Communication
- Courage
- Commitment
Dignity
Dignity originates from the Latin word Dignitas, meaning to be worthy.
Dignity is the state or quality of being worthy of honour and respect, a sense of pride within oneself and having self-respect. To have dignity is to have fundamental value and worth as a human being, and is different from respect.
Why is dignity important?
When our dignity is undermined, our brain reacts in the same way that it does to physical aggression. However, when we treat each other with dignity we show that their worth is recognised by creating lasting and meaningful relationships.
Dignity drives human rights and prevents discrimination; it can connect people across cultures and beliefs. Dignity fulfils a deep human desire to be treated as something of value.
What is dignity in care?
Dignity in care means working in a way that promotes respect, autonomy, and compassion for individuals, especially in the context of providing care. Every conversation has some effect on a person’s sense of self-esteem and identity.
There has been a growing awareness of the importance of “dignity in care” in recent years. Dignity concerns how people think, believe and act with them. Treating others with integrity means treating them as valuable people. The manner of treatment makes them mindful of their worth.
Ways to promote dignity
Dignified care means:
- Providing care that promotes a person’s self-esteem
- Acknowledging their abilities and desires
- Not doing anything that can undermine an individuals self-worth
We cain maintain an individuals sense of self-worth by adhering to the following:
- Ensuring you are working in a person-centred way and treating everyone as an individual with their unique needs, wishes and preferences.
- Respecting everyone’s views, beliefs and decisions regardless of whether they are different to your own. We need to promote rights and be compassionate, empathetic and non-judgemental.
- Providing practical assistance and helping people maintain independence and dignity by assisting with small tasks.
- Maintaining privacy throughout personal care. Ensuring we close doors and curtains and that the individuals are not able to be seen by others during this task.
- Encourage the individual to make their own care decisions where they have capacity. We need to respect their choices and adjust communication styles to meet their needs and abilities. Effective communication can include picture cards, sign language or interpreters, for example.
Independence and what it means
Independence is the ability to live your life without being assisted or influenced by other people.
Independence is important to everyone. Feeling in control of our own lives and making our own choices brings independence and improves self-worth and confidence.
What would your life be like if someone made every single decision for you? Told you what you could and couldn’t do? How would you feel?
Feeling of loss of independence and ways to promote independence
There are various reasons why an individual may lose some or all of their independence. Health conditions can be one aspect that can affect an individual’s independence, especially in the case of diminished mobility or cognitive ability. Knowing your health is affecting you and limiting your ability to carry out your normal tasks can lead to feelings of frustration, low mood and anger.
In the role of a carer, family member, friend or neighbour, we are there to promote independence at every opportunity. For example, if the individual is struggling to mobilise and get to their bathroom to fulfil their personal care, we could bring them a bowl of water, flannel, soap and towels so they can still wash themselves. When cooking, it is possible to obtain equipment specially designed to promote independence. By way of example, someone who is legally registered blind can pour the kettle and have a vibrating level insert on their cup so they can feel when the water is high enough.
There are many ways of promoting independence and it is a vital part of anyone’s role.
Step back and think about how you would want your independence promoted in each situation and act on it where appropriate.
Promoting Independence
To recap, we can promote independence by:
- Encouraging the individual to do as much as they can, ensuring we are enabling them and not disabling.
- Involving the individual in everyday decisions like choosing their own meals or routine.
- Involving the individual in larger decisions, such as social care options or home adaptations.
- Care homes should also involve their residents in the decisions mentioned above, whether these are minor (setting a routine) or more significant (what type of care is needed).
- Providing appropriate tools and support to promote independence.
- Encouraging physical activity has lots of positive benefits, such as improved mobility, confidence and social skills.
- Promote social independence by allowing individuals to interact with each other in a variety of ways and activities, including at mealtimes.
