The Basic Principles of Care

550 Words3 Pages
The Basic Principles of Care Understanding the Principles of Care The Principles of Care are a set of standards which form the foundation on which to build your practice. You need to be aware of why you must promote the values in your day-to-day practice; why you must consider the people you are supporting in promoting these values, their culture, their means of communication, their likes and dislikes, their family, other professionals you may be working with, your colleagues. Values What is a value? A value is simply what is important in the life of the person you are supporting. The 8 principles of care summarises these values: Individuality Assumptions should never be made about a person. The person should never have to fit in with you or your organisation. People should be allowed to make their own choices. Find out about each individual, look in their care plan, what food do they like, what do they want to eat? Find out how to address each service user; do not assume you can call someone by their first name. Rights People in your care should continue to enjoy the same rights as when they were living independently. Each person you are supporting has the right to say no, the right to have a relationship, the right to have a say in their care. You may have to balance their rights against your responsibilities. Are they at risk? Are you at risk? Choice Each person you are supporting should be allowed to make choices. They should be given thorough information in order to make informed choices, and you must acknowledge the benefits of their choices. Privacy Always ask permission before entering the individual’s room. Do you always knock on their door? Visitors must ask permission before entering rooms. Close doors when performing personal hygiene. Independence Allow the people you support to do things for themselves, however small.
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