SCIE Practice guide 09: Dignity in care

Dignity challenge

6. Respect people’s right to privacy

By this we mean:

Personal space is available and accessible when needed. Areas of sensitivity which relate to modesty, gender, culture or religion and basic manners are fully respected. People are not made to feel embarrassed when receiving care and support.

Dignity tests:

• Do we have quiet areas or rooms that are available and easily accessible to provide privacy?
• Do staff actively promote individual confidentiality, privacy and protection of modesty?
• Do we avoid assuming that we can intrude without permission into someone’s personal space, even if we are the care giver?
• Can people receiving services decide when they want 'quiet time’ and when they want to interact?

Some ideas from practice:

• Anticipating concerns before they become complaints
• Behind closed doors
• Modesty preserved
• Do not disturb: simple but effective signs
• Paul’s story: an Extra Care experience

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