What is meant by Privacy and Dignity

Privacy:

• Giving someone space where and when they need it

Dignity:

• Focusing on the value of every individual.
• Respecting their views, choices and decisions.
• Not making assumptions about how they want to be treated
• Working with care and compassion
• Communicating directly with the individual whenever possible

The safeguarding and wellbeing of individuals are very important. As far as possible, you should get to know each individual; their background and ideas, wishes, likes and dislikes. You should always provide personalised care and support that puts an individual at the centre of their care. You should enable them to be as independent as possible and respect their privacy and dignity. Working in this way reduces the risk of an individual being treated in a way that is degrading or harmful.

Part of providing good care and support involves building trust and confidence and having the best interests of individuals in mind. Take great care not to discuss personal information (such as health conditions, sexual orientation and social circumstances) where others might overhear or by using too loud a voice.

Confidentiality is a very important right of individuals who receive care and support. Information should only be shared on a ‘need to know’ basis for example, with other workers involved in their care. You should not share information with anybody else, even the person’s family or friends, without their permission.

Use to answer question 7.1a of the Care Certificate