2. List situations where an individual’s privacy and dignity could be compromised

Lesson 2/22 | Study Time: 33 Min

Course: Privacy and Dignity in Care

2. List situations where an individual’s privacy and dignity could be compromised

In certain situations, a person may not realise that they are compromising an individual’s privacy and dignity.

Consider these examples.

Talking to an adult the same way you would a baby

Giving an adult mashed food all the time when they do not need it

Insisting on early bedtimes

Not closing the door when supporting with personal care (if risk assessed as safe)

Opening curtains and bed screens without ascertaining why they were closed

Not lowering your voice when discussing sensitive subjects, especially in public areas

Insisting people use commodes or bed-pans when they could be taken to use a toilet

Only suggesting activities that imply a low level of intelligence or ability

Not offering hand washing facilities after using the toilet

Calling a person “love” or “pet”, especially when they have been asked to be called by their name

Disregarding someone’s feelings or assuming they are just making a fuss

Entering someone’s room without knocking first

These are just a few examples to get you thinking. There will be plenty more.

When you are supporting people, try to put yourself in their position. Treat people as individuals and do not make assumptions about how they might want something done or how they are feeling.

Always ask!

There are some situations where it is challenging to maintain dignity and privacy.

Here are some examples of when dignity and privacy could be compromised:

When a person can no longer wash, use the toilet or feed themselves.
When a person has been risk assessed as unsafe to leave in a toilet or bathroom alone and they have to have someone with them all of the time.
An illness or medical condition, for example, where a person has to wear an oxygen mask and walk around with an oxygen tank, they may not feel this is very dignified.
Supporting an individual with personal care and they are able to do very little, if anything, for themselves and are dependent on other people.
A person with severe disabilities who is unable to understand much about what is happening or has very limited ability to communicate.
A person who is incontinent, having no or insufficient control over urination or defecation which means they regularly need support to change. Let’s explore this one a bit further…

Incontinence is embarrassing for most people.

Incontinence is not dignified.

When people lose control of their bladder or bowels (or both), they normally do not want to admit this has happened. They may try to hide it from you, their family, friends and other professionals. It may also not be very private if there are unpleasant smells and the individual is not in a private place.

If the person is teased, told off or embarrassed, they may withdraw and suffer low self-esteem. This behaviour of other people shows little or no respect for the individual and the challenges they live with. Their dignity is being ignored.

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Class Sessions

1- 1. Describe what is meant by privacy and dignity 2- 2. List situations where an individual’s privacy and dignity could be compromised 3- 3. Describe how to maintain privacy and dignity in the work setting 4- 4. Demonstrate that your actions maintain the privacy of the individual 5- 5. Demonstrate privacy and dignity is maintained 6- 6. Explain why it is important not to disclose anything about the individual unless appropriate 7- 7. Report any concerns you have about privacy and dignity to the relevant person 8- 8. Describe ways of helping individuals to make informed choices 9- 9. Explain how risk assessment processes can be used to support individuals to make decisions 10- 10. Explain why personal views must not influence an individual’s own choices or decisions 11- 11. Describe why you need to support an individual to challenge decisions 12- 12. Demonstrate how to support individuals to make informed choices 13- 13. Check risk assessment processes are used to support individuals to make their own decisions 14- 14. Reflect on how your own personal views could influence an individual’s choices 15- 15. Report any concerns you have about informed choices to the relevant person 16- 16. Describe the importance of how valuing people contributes to active participation 17- 17. Explain how to enable individuals to make informed choices about their lives 18- 18. List others ways you can support active participation 19- 19. Describe importance of enabling individuals to develop self-care and maintaining networks 20- 20. Demonstrate that you can support the active participation of individuals in their care 21- 21. Reflect on how your own personal views could restrict the individual’s ability to participate 22- 22. Report any concerns about active participation to the relevant person