Supporting Individuals to Maintain their Rights
Understanding Rights
- Individual rights in care settings include the right to life, dignity, respect, non-discrimination and physical and mental integrity. These fundamental rights are protected by law.
- Health and Social Care Act 2008 regulates all providers of health and social care services in England to ensure services are safe and meet essential standards.
- The Human Rights Act 1998 goes further in protecting people's rights. It includes list of rights such as right to life, security, freedom from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, and respect for private life.
- Equality Act 2010 ensures equal treatment of everyone, regardless of their gender, race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital status and age.
Methods to Support Individuals to Maintain their Rights
- Communication: Ensuring open and honest communication allows individuals to express their needs, preferences, concerns and any changes to their health status.
- Education: Make certain individuals are informed about their rights and know how to voice out if they feel these are not being respected.
- Confidentiality: Respect the privacy of individuals by keeping personal information confidential unless there's a risk to the individual's or another person's safety.
- Empowerment: Encourage individuals to take control of their own care, as far as possible, to improve their health and wellbeing.
- Respecting Choices: Support individuals to make informed choices about their own healthcare and treatment. This includes the right to refuse treatment.
Challenges in Maintaining Rights
- Language Barrier: Language and cultural differences can pose challenges in understanding and respecting an individual's rights. Using translation services or cultural liaison officers may help to overcome these challenges.
- Lack of Recognition: There can be a lack of recognition by health professionals of the rights and needs of all individuals. Ongoing training can help to raise awareness.
- Fear of Retaliation: Individuals may be fearful of confronting health professionals about their rights due to fear of retaliation. Advocacy service can offer support in such situations.
Remember, supporting individuals to maintain their rights within a care setting is a key aspect of care. Violation of these rights can cause harm and distress to the individual and may even be against the law. Always respect and uphold their rights.