Privacy and dignity: good

C3. How are people's privacy, dignity and independence respected and promoted?

Characteristics of services we would rate as good in this area

People are treated with dignity and respect at all times and without discrimination. The service supports and encourages staff to notice and challenge any failings in how people are treated at the service. Recruitment, training and support for staff is underpinned by the key values of kindness, respect, compassion, dignity in care and empowerment.

The service provides sufficient time for staff to develop trusting relationships with people, their families, friends and other carers. Staff notice when people are in discomfort or distress and take swift action to provide care and support. People receive consistent, timely care and support from familiar staff who understand their needs and get along with them. People are kept informed about any changes to their support.

People have as much choice and control as possible in their lives. This includes in relation to the staff who provide their personal care and support.

People's right to privacy and confidentiality is always respected. Staff are discreet and challenge behaviour and practices that fall short of this. Staff have a clear understanding of the boundaries of confidentiality and work within these. When people's care and support is provided by a mixture of providers, the service minimises risks to privacy and confidentiality.

People are supported to direct their own health and care whenever they can, encouraged to maintain and develop their independence, and supported to realise their ambitions.

People's social needs are understood. People are supported to maintain and develop their relationships with those close to them, their social networks and community. People have free access to their family, friends and community. Any restrictions are unavoidable or demonstrably in their best interests.

The service involves young people in decisions about their care when they transition from young people's services to adult services. It understands their particular needs at this time. Their preferences are listened to and respected.