. Introduction to Duty of Care in Health

642 Words3 Pages
Introduction to duty of care in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings Understand the implications of duty of care Health and social care organisations have what is called a duty of care towards the people they look after. That means that they must do everything they can to keep the people in their care safe from harm. It is not only the care establishment that needs to prioritise the safety, welfare and interests of the people using its services, but also the care workers of the establishment. My employer also has a duty of care for staff members, to ensure that working conditions are safe, and suitable to deliver the service. I have a duty of care to myself, my colleagues and the person I am caring for or anyone else affected by my actions. I would do this by attending regular team meetings, keep my training up to date, wearing protective clothing at all times whilst giving the clients care and disposing of it correctly, reading the care plan to ensure the correct care is given, recording everything whilst in the clients property and reporting anything that concerns me to the senior carer or manager. Understand support available for addressing dilemmas that may arise about duty of care As a domiciliary care worker I may experience many dilemmas. I would aim to help people live independently in their own homes and encourage them to make decisions for themselves. If I feel the decision the individual makes would cause harm to themselves, myself or any other being I am them faced with a dilemma. If a client refused to take their medication I would be faced with the dilemma between my duty of care and the individuals rights. If this situation arises I would explain to them the reasons why they have been prescribed this medication, advantages it has for their wellbeing and the disadvantages it would have if they don’t take it. If the
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