According to the Social Care Institute for Excellence, Dignity is a state, quality or manner worthy of esteem or respect; and (by extension) self respect.  Dignity in care, therefore, means the kind of care, in any setting, which supports and promotes, and does not undermine a persons self respect regardless of any difference.  Whilst dignity might be difficult to define, what is clear is that people know when they have not been treated with dignity.

 

The Royal College of Nursing's view is that Dignity is concerned with how people feel, think and behave in relation to the worth or value of themselves and others.  To treat someone with dignity is to treat them as being of worth, in a way that is respectful of them as individuals.  Dignified care, or the lack of it, can have a profound effect on patient/client well-being.

A Dignified Revolutions' Model

The model that A Dignified Revolution has developed is as follows:

Respect is done (not in a pejorative sense) to other people.  When dealing with other people it is about:

• being polite
• being thoughtful and caring
• keeping them informed
• meeting their needs
• ensuring their privacy, etc

... and not treating them as an object of service

Dignity is the result of being treated with respect.  It is internal and often associated with a sense of:

• worth
• well-being
• being valued
• having a sense of purpose

Feeling dignified is often about the little things, which are difficult to measure or value, that help to reassure people when they are unwell and in an unfamiliar environment. For example, consider:

• what is the value of reassurance?
• what is the value of anxiety lessened?
• what is the value of questions answered?
• what is the value of expectations realised?
• what is the value of pain eased?
• what is the value of time spent with an anxious individual?
• what is the value of a hand held?
• what is the value of caring?
• what is the value of peace of mind?
• what is the value of kindness?

Source: Dave Murray, Chief Officer, Age Concern Gwent and Aiden Halligan, Former Deputy Officer for Health, England 

Dignity is a Right

Dignity and Respect are key principles of the Human Rights Act.  When a person's dignity is compromised and no respect is afforded them, it is an abuse of their human rights.  To ensure that the rights of individuals are upheld the key principles of:

Fairness

Respect

Equality

Dignity

... should be incorporated into service planning, commissioning and delivery, standards, inspection, regulatory processes and professional education.

Resources

The British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) has produced  

Your Human Rights - A Guide for Older People

It provides practical information about human rights, and their relevance to older people. It is written directly for older people but is is also useful for people working with older people or those wanting to learn more about the impact of human rights on older people

Equality & Human Rights Commission

You can also share your concerns and seek advice from the Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC). Scotland and Wales have their own offices. Details can be found on the EHRC website.

Ministry of Justice

There are numerous guidance documents available on the Ministry of Justice website to help public bodies and members of the public understand the human rights act

Royal College of Nursing

The Royal College of Nursing has developed an e-learning resource on human rights for its members