Videos: Promoting innovative ideas to support caring with dignity
Research shows that there are eight main factors which contribute to providing dignity with care. Each of these dignity factors contribute to a person’s sense of self respect, and they should all be included while caring for someone.
Today, SCIE launches three new videos about dignity showing a number of innovative ways to contribute to caring with dignity while being sensitive towards personal hygiene, change management and practical assistance.
SCIE had already produced films on five of these factors previously, which focus on choice and control, communication, eating and nutritional care, privacy and social inclusion.
Personal hygiene
The personal hygiene film gives us an insight into people’s lives and the way they want to maintain their surroundings. Howard prefers a wet shave. It makes him feel good. Another resident of the Wren Hall Care home, Trudi, likes her hair curled and nails painted. Helping them look their best and take pride in their appearance help boost their confidence and make them feel better.
Practical assistance film
The film on practical assistance shows a number of innovative schemes across the country that offer practical assistance for people with care and support needs. It features an Age UK initiative in Leicester, to carry out minor repairs at home for people who live on their own; to ensure their living environment is safe.
Pain management film
The film on pain management reminds us that pain levels vary for every individual. It says that medication is important but it is not always appropriate and alternative therapies can help alleviate some of the pain that people may have. The simple use of moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated, or a regular hand or foot massage can help in reducing the pain experienced by people on a daily basis. In the film, Paul is featured having Reiki treatment at St Cuthbert’s hospice, Durham, to support him with his Parkinson’s. On the film, Paul says; “it’s like magic” because he Reiki makes him feel relaxed and stable.
SCIE’s chief executive Tony Hunter says: “Dignity forms the basis of all our human rights. Dignity needs to underpin every aspect of how we plan, deliver and review care and support. The new films around personal hygiene, practical assistance and pain management show dignity in care in action.
“This might be by giving someone a hand massage because they suffer from arthritis or by helping them maintain their garden, and the impact on someone’s quality of life can be phenomenal. The films, for family members and care staff alike, explore a range of innovative measures put in place to provide care with dignity in care homes, and also for individuals living at home, and are a powerful reminder of the principles that underpin what carers do and why.”
These new films, including the five others, can be used by care staff; managers; GPs; nurses; commissioners; people who use services and their family carers or friends who are carers. The new resources include:
