Dignity at the Heart of Care: Insights from Helping Hands Carers
At Helping Hands, dignity is the cornerstone of everything we do. We recently asked some of our dedicated carers what “dignity” means to them, and their responses highlight the importance of respect and compassion in providing home care.
Sheila
“For me, dignity is about considering my clients’ feelings and showing respect. One of my clients has sadly lost his sense of smell, so when I help him with personal care, I always let him know that he’s fresh and clean. I also ensure his home smells pleasant, as he often has guests and family visiting. If I’m baking and the house smells of fresh cake, I tell him, even though he can’t smell it. It brings back happy memories for him.
Everything we do revolves around maintaining dignity. It could be as simple as helping my client stay clean while eating by gently wiping his hands or mouth, making him feel good about himself. It’s also about ensuring he has privacy during personal care by providing enough towels and giving him the space he needs. He deserves that time and privacy, and I make sure he gets it.”
Hilda
“Dignity, to me, is quite simple. We are all human, and the saying ‘treat people how you want to be treated’ is so true! When I look after someone, I think about how important dignity is to me and do my best to maintain theirs.”
Stephanie
“Dignity is essential in so many ways. No matter the disability, whether physical, mental, or a learning disability, I treat everyone with the respect and kindness they deserve, helping them live a fulfilled life. Little things make a big difference, like closing the door when your client is using the toilet and asking them to call you when they’re ready instead of just standing there. I wouldn’t like to be watched while using the loo!
It’s crucial to help clients feel confident and comfortable in their own home. Remember, we’re there to assist them, not take over. Give them choices—ask what they want to wear or what they’d like to eat. Don’t make those decisions for them.
These might seem like small things, but taking them away can negatively impact someone. I always knock before entering a client’s room and wait to be invited in. Privacy is key to providing dignity in care.”
Janika
“I believe dignity is about being sensitive to a client’s moods and learning how to respond appropriately. Sometimes clients, like anyone, can have a bad day. If they’re rude, I approach the situation calmly and respectfully, trying to understand what’s wrong.
I’ve encountered many situations where a client’s dignity could have been compromised if not handled correctly. For instance, a client once had a little ‘accident’ without realizing it, and someone else was in the room. Instead of drawing attention to it, I discreetly informed the client, and we managed the situation together. I reassured them it wasn’t a problem, allowing them to return to their guest without any embarrassment.”
The insights from our carers reflect the deep commitment to preserving dignity in every aspect of care. At Helping Hands, we believe that dignity is not just about what we do but how we do it—with respect, kindness, and a profound understanding of our clients’ needs.
