Dignity Action Day on 1 February
The Dignity in Care Campaign mirrors the Heritage Manor ethos; to have dignity in our hearts, minds and actions at all times. Our emphasis is on always providing the best quality of care and having the well-being and happiness of residents at the heart of everything we do.
This year we have supported Dignity Action Day in a number of ways.
Increasing awareness
It is a time when we can think more closely about what dignity means to us. We have encouraged our staff and visitors to The Lawns to pause for a moment at our Dignity Tree and think about this. People were able to write their comments on the green leaves and hang them on the tree. They could also comment on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheLawnsOfficial/
Some dignity meanings given were:
“treat every resident as you would want your parent treated”
“dignity is not having to justify your life choices to anyone”
“being given respect at all times, treat people as you would like to be treated”
Our Dig-Ni-Tree
Dignity leaves from the Dig-Ni-Tree
On Dignity Action Day we took the leaves off the tree and put then in our raffle box. The prize was our gorgeous teddy bear, we named Digby. The lucky winner of Digby was Ruth, who very kindly gave him to baby Jacob when he visited with his mum. Jacob enchanted all our residents. He had very special cuddles with one of our residents who is nursed in bed. Her face was one of absolute joy.
The Dignity Bear with some of our team
Dee and the bear!
Re-enforcing our knowledge
Dignity Action Day was an opportunity for us to all have a recap training session, focused on the 6 c’s and the 10 Points of Dignity.
The 6 c’s underpin compassion in practice
These are set out in full on the Health Careers website https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/working-health/6cs
These values have been used in our own Behaviour Framework, which sets out the culture we expect in all of our Heritage Manor homes.
Care
To consistently give the right care, tailored to each individual, throughout every stage of their life.
Compassion
Compassion is how care is given and relationships based on empathy, respect and dignity.
Competence
Our team understand each resident’s needs, both healthcare and emotional. Our professional training and regular training courses ensure we have the expertise to deliver the best possible care.
Communication
There is a saying central to care “no decision about me without me”. Communication with residents is vital to ensure their needs are met. It is also vital for a happy workplace and to be an effective team. It is not just talking and actions, but listening as well.
Courage
To believe in ourselves and to recognise our personal strengths, to be receptive to change and to speak up. It is also to see these values in others and support to each other.
Commitment
A drive and determination to meet all challenges and to keep our residents care and well-being central to our homes ethos.
Part of our ethos
The 10 Point Dignity Challenge
The Dignity in Care campaign was launched in November 2006 to put dignity at the heart of UK care services. https://www.dignityincare.org.uk/
Before the launch they had events around the country with focus groups looking at what the phrase “Dignity in Care” meant to people. This resulted in the 10 Point Dignity Challenge whereby high quality services that respect people’s dignity should:
- 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 members and carers as care partners
- Assist people to maintain confidence and positive self-esteem
- Act to alleviate people’s loneliness and isolation
Part of our refresher training was also to look at these points and discuss them in relation to our home.
Our Dig Ni Tea
We marked Dignity Action Day at The Lawns with an afternoon Dig Ni Tea party for our residents, the staff, their friends and families.
This year we asked residents for their favourite cakes, which Anita, our chef, made for the tea. They were delicious and ranged from lemon drizzle, Dundee cake, Victoria sandwich, chocolate brownies and shortbread – to name a few!
It was a wonderful afternoon and our ladies have requested that we have regular afternoon tea get together’s going forwards. It was lovely to show our residents’ families that we support Dignity Action Day and a great opportunity to raise awareness of these values which we hold dear in caring for their loved ones.
Residents enjoying Dig-ni-tea
Dig-ni-tea with family
Sharing a giggle