Dignity Action Day 2023

February 1 marks Dignity Action Day 2023, the day aims to make sure people using care services are “treated as individuals and are given the choice, control and a sense of purpose in their daily lives.” It also serves as a reminder to the public that care professionals deserve respect too.

Jan Burns, chief executive of Dignity in care says “Dignity is more than deeds, more than an attitude, an expression a look, a touch. It’s how you make a person feel", and we fully agree with this statement at Kew Care Group our Residents are at the centre of everything we do. 

Whether dealing with a long-term illness, recovering from an injury, or living with a disability, the need for additional support comes with an increased reliance on others, inevitably impacting on a person's independence. When moving into one of Kew Care Group's four quality homes the loss of independence can have an impact on a person's self-esteem, causing them to feel less valued both in terms of where they stand in society as well as on a personal level. Our staff team are trained and experienced in ensuring a high level of care in every aspect of care provision, no matter how big or small. Everyone is entitled to respect and to have our dignity maintained, whatever that means to us personally that is why we work with our residents and family members to make sure that we consider their likes, dislikes, choices, preferences and needs in providing a quality service in a home from home. We use involvement and active participation to promote empowerment and maintain your way of life.

The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) outlines eight factors of dignity in care to help guide care professionals in their practice. Each highlights a different element of care provision that provides an opportunity to protect and promote the dignity of the people they care for. 

The eight factors of dignity in care are:

• Choice and control over care provision as well as everyday decisions
• Communication between care professionals, residents and their loved ones
• Nutrition for older people
• Pain management to promote comfort
• Personal hygiene
• Practical assistance such as minor home repairs or installing mobility aids
• Privacy and confidentiality 
• Social inclusion to avoid isolation

To find out more about Dignity Action Day and what you can do to support it, you can visit the website here.

Dignity in Care also runs the Dignity in Care Campaign which aims to put dignity and respect at the heart of UK care services. You can read more about the campaign and what it does here.