Thoughts and comments on Dignity from Amanda Waring
I wish all dignity champions a happy and productive dignity action day.
2017 was certainly an incredible year of promoting and teaching dignity in many aspects to young and old. I was delighted to work with colleges on dignity and mental health with teenagers , as well as educating funeral directors and hospices on dignity at end of life. I have led numerous workshops throughout the uk on dignity and its impact on emotional and spiritual care, putting that into personal practice whilst caring for those with dementia in their own homes till the end of life.
Research with the terminally ill has clearly shown that a personal sense of dignity can literally make the difference between a person’s wish to live or die. In one study two thirds of dying people in a hospital setting felt that their dignity could be taken away from them by those who were caring for them. This is why Dignity Action day and the continual application of dignified care is so important. For there is an intimate connection between an older person’s self image and the way they are regarded by YOU. We have the ability to restore or destroy an older person’s self worth and dignity by our attitudes, so let us be aware if we may have fallen into the ageism trap.-
Perhaps you may be reluctant to use technology fearing an older person may shy away from it , or do you routinely attribute physical or mental symptoms like depression or aches and pains as a natural part of the ageing process without looking for other causes. Are there any subtle behaviours that you have seen that may be considered ageist, how would you go about redressing this?
Ageism in society means that older people are continually discriminated against..
Ageism amongst care workers can cause a disinterested, “ care - less”, prejudiced and even abusive approach.That is why self reflection is an important tool for you as a carer to reassess your practice and improve interactions. .
The common belief is - dignity is treating others how you would wish to be treated, reassess this from a more person- centred perspective…because dignity is treating others how THEY would wish to be treated. There may well be differences.
Remember YOU are not alone with dignity challenges you may face in your delivery of care. To provide a supportive forum for care staff and the sharing of good practice become a dignity champion. We on the dignity council are there to help you with issues as well as advice from fellow carers and professionals.