Dignity in Care Month is a time to recognise the importance of treating every individual with respect. It began as part of the Dignity Action Month campaign, which promotes compassion and understanding in care settings. At Select Lifestyles, one of our core values is always treating people with dignity and encouraging everyone to reach their true potential. This blog is shaped by the voices of our staff, who see dignity in action every day.
What Does Dignity in Care Look Like?
Dignity in care is about respect, choice, and compassion. It can be seen in simple everyday actions. One of our staff members shared, “When I visited a service, I saw a support worker comforting a distressed service user. This provided reassurance and emotional support.” Another described a time when they observed dignity in care through meal choices, saying, “The service user was given options and plenty of time to decide. Their meal was served in an appealing way, and they smiled and thanked the staff.”
Why is Dignity Important in Care?
Dignity helps people feel safe, valued, and in control of their own lives. One of our staff members said, “Dignity is all about treating people with respect. When we do this, they feel safer, more confident, and less vulnerable.” Another explained, “A service user may already feel vulnerable in a care setting. By maintaining their dignity, we help them keep their sense of freedom.”
How Do We Ensure People Feel Respected?
Respect starts with small actions that make a big difference. Our staff shared some of their approaches:
- “Always ask permission before providing care.”
- “Give people choices and involve them in decisions.”
- “Respect privacy by closing doors and keeping personal matters confidential.”
- “Listen to service users and make them feel heard.”
Lessons Learned About Dignity in Care
Many of our staff believe dignity in care should come naturally. As one said, “If you have a kind heart and are in care for the right reasons, dignity should be automatic.” Another shared, “I treat every service user as I would my own family member. If I wouldn’t want my mum treated that way, I wouldn’t do it to someone else.”
At Select Lifestyles, we are committed to making dignity a priority in everything we do. By listening, respecting, and valuing each individual, we help create a caring and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
We provide high-quality, person-centred care that respects each individual’s choices, independence, and well-being. Whether you’re looking for Supported Living and Shared Housing, Respite Care, Residential, or Day Care services, our dedicated team is here to help.
We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and we tailor our care to meet the unique needs of each person. If you or a loved one are looking for a compassionate and professional care provider, we’d love to talk to you about how we can support you.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you live a fulfilling life with the care and dignity you deserve.