Promoting and supporting an individual's right to dignity, independence, health and safety
People who require health care, particularly long-term health care, may feel like their dignity and independence are slipping away from them.
People who depend on kidney dialysis machines, for example, might feel their lives are ruled by the priority they always give to their treatment. They may very well feel that they aren't 'normal'. In situations like this, the attitude and understanding of health care workers can make a real difference.
Finding ways to accommodate patients' lives within a treatment programme can help people feel free, even if they need a great deal of treatment or direct care.
Acknowledging an individual's personal beliefs and identity
For a nurse with a ward full of patients to look after or a live-in carer that is run off their feet, it can be difficult sometimes to treat the people they care for as individuals.
Theory and practice
11. how and where to access information and support that can inform your practice relating to valuing and respecting people
12. how you can access, review and evaluate information about valuing and respecting people
13. government reports, inquiries and research relevant to valuing and respecting individuals and key people
14. theories relevant to the individuals with whom you work, about: Final version approved August 2009
human rights and responsibilities
human growth, development and behaviour
enabling individuals to communicate and have their views and preferences heard and taken account of
enabling individuals to influence and take responsibility for their own lives conflicts and dilemmas
power and how it can be used and abused
15. role of relationships and support networks in promoting the well-being