The relationship between dignity, self-worth and well-being is important. This is because a person’s self-worth and self-esteem are thought to underpin psychological and physical health.

Low self-esteem and self-worth is thought to be associated with negative emotional effects and can lead to conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Promoting dignity is therefore an important element of our care which aims at improving emotional well-being and reducing unnecessary dependence. It is also an important aspect in helping to facilitate the restoration of self-esteem and self-worth.

Here at Meadowbank we:

⦁ Have a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse.
⦁ Staff support people with the same respect they would want for themselves or a member or their 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 members and carers as care partners.
⦁ Assist people to maintain confidence and positive self-esteem.
⦁ Act to alleviate people’s loneliness and isolation.

 

Effective and empathetic communication is at the heart of treating individuals with dignity. How Meadowbank talks with and acts towards individuals is fundamental evidence of our respect for their dignity.

In promoting communication Meadowbank will:

⦁ Find out how individuals prefer to be addressed
⦁ Provide individuals information about a service in advance
⦁ Communicate information in an accessible and suitable format
⦁ Never assume we know what individuals want because of their culture, ability or any other factor and will always ask
⦁ Ensure individuals are offered ‘time to talk’, and a chance to voice any concerns or simply have a chat
⦁ Provide a translation services in the short term until a culturally appropriate service is provided in the long term
⦁ Have acceptable levels of both spoken and written English
⦁ Understand the cultural needs and communication requirements of the individuals we are caring for
⦁ Train staff to communicate with individuals who have cognitive or communication difficulties
⦁ Schedule time for staff to properly hand over information between shifts
⦁ Include individuals in the production of information resources to ensure the information is clear and answers the right questions
⦁ Enable individuals to express their views of the service we provide.

Meadowbank understands that all individual care needs are shaped to suit each individual. Everyone is different with different likes and dislikes and just because some need a certain level of help or support, it does not mean individuals have to lose their own identity and their dignity.